#also there's nothing else that can be seen and heard it's just a few seconds of this icon in the top corner to indicate a voice line

[little-lolaaa]

Mafia Boss!Chris Sturniolo × Stripper!Reader Pt. 2!

(I'm bad at warnings, so I apologize for anything I miss)

Warnings!! - pet names, sexual behavior, cussing, invasion of privacy, possible stalker(debunked), I can't think of anything else...

!!NOT PROOFREAD!!

I hated myself for accepting the money. I honestly wanted nothing more than to throw myself in front of a bus because of it. I went to work the next day and asked my manager who the guy was the requested the private from me.

"Oh! That was Chris, he said he loved the way you danced. Why?"

"Just curious, thanks, baby." I smiled softly. Walking back to my station to get ready for my shift, I kept thinking about him. Why did he send me the money? Was it even him? What if he's here again tonight?

I thought about every possible thing that could run through my mind before I started my performance. How old is he? What does he do? How did he get my bank information? Is he some crazy stalker? Stalkers can't look like cute and carry that much money in cash around can they???

I quickly pushed the thoughts away with a sip of an energy drink. I talked with some of the girls about the money and Chris, but they weren't really helpful. They told me to just ask for more money or try and get him 'wrapped around my finger'.

I mean- it wouldn't be bad to have him around my finger and at my mercy, but that's not who I am. I don't wanna use people for their money. Especially not someone I only met a few nights ago.

12:36 A.M.

I just finished my performance and started setting up my private rooms for customers. I cleaned up the tables, wiped off the couches/chairs and the stage. I also added some small finishing touches like candles to really set the mood.

My first private was a guy named Mack. He was a regular who paid a little bit more than I asked for. Always made sure to give a generous tip.

Jake was my second, I'd seen him around the club a few times, but this was my first private with him, so I made sure to give him an unforgettable experience.

By the time my 4th private came around, I was tired, sweaty, exhausted, and out of breath, but I pushed through and gave the client a performance.

I sat at the edge of the stage and waited for my final customer to come in. When I heard the door open, I stood up, my legs wobbling slightly from the constant dancing, and I got ready to give another dance. "No need ma, just sit down and relax. You deserve it"

His voice cut through the air like a sharp blade through paper. Jackass. Or chris, but none the less – jackass. "I hope you know I get paid to dance. Not sit around and be lazy." I snapped back. "And who's paying you?"

"..." I just rolled my eyes, not wanting to answer his stupid question.

"Exactly. Now, I'm paying you. Which means if I say you don' have to dance, you ain't gonna dance f'me alrigh' ma?" I stared at him, skeptical at first, but reluctantly sighed and sat down again. "Do you want anything to drink?" He asked softly, pulling out his phone. "No, no I'm okay. I'm not allowed to drink on the job anyway"

"Sodas ma, energy drinks, whatever floats your boat." he glanced up at me, waiting for my response. "Uhh-...I'll just have a water. Thank you.." I glanced around nervously. "Alright" he looked back down at his phone, typed something out, and then put it away again.

"Sooo..." I stated awkwardly.

"Do you like working here?" He spoke softly. "Uhh- yea- yea no- I mean- yea I like working here I- I yea- Uhh-"

"Relax, Ma. No need to be nervous, ok?" He reassured gently. "Yea, no- yea, sorry, I just- jesus, it's been a minute since I've actually sat down to take a breath." I let out a heavy sigh. "Water should be here soon, don't worry"

"I uhh- yea I like working here- I uhh..I meet a lot of new people, except the pervs, obviously, and uhhmm- the girls are nice. Love the girls and my manager, Lisa, she's amazing. I like to dance too, I really like to dance, actually." I admitted quietly.

"Yea? What do you like about dancing?" He leaned forward a bit, seemingly intrigued.

"I don't know how to explain it really - it's just something about getting to move my body around freely without any restrictions. I also like dancing even more now because I get to make money off of it, too. I've always liked dancing, too. It really helped me relieve stress and relax my body while simultaneously stretching and becoming more 'aware' I guess?? Of my surroundings? I don't know how to describe it really"

I tried my best to explain why I liked dancing to him, but without going on an hour long rant, it made my explanation seem stupid or really hard to understand. He just nodded along like he understood my explanation without actually understanding it.

"Aren't you gonna ask me about the money?"

His voice cut through walls.

"....why?" I asked softly. "Why did you send the money? And how did you get my information?"

"I'm a Mafia boss. The other night when I saw your dance, I went home after the private and dug up some of your information. I know I invaded your privacy, and I do apologize for that. My name is Christopher Sturniolo, but you can call me Chris, ok?"

"...Okay..." I muttered under my breath. "Did I..." Honestly, the first thing I thought of when he said he was a Mafia Boss was that he was gonna kill me. That's what Mafia men do, right? "Are you gonna kill me?.."

"What?-" He laughed. Actually laughed. In my face. "Kill you?- wha- no no no!- No, sweetheart, no, I'm not gonna kill you."

I let out a sigh of relief, almost sobbing. "Jesus fuck!- Holy shit I thought I done something so bad that got the fucking mafia involved! Fuck dude!" I laughed nervously. "No, ma, you didn't do anything. Apart from making me so hard the other night. Nothing terrible."

"Don't fucking do that man. Holy shit!- I thought I was gonna fuckin' die tonight" I rubbed my face a bit and finally relaxed.

"I wanna take you out. On a date." He said blankly. "What-"

"You heard me. I wanna take you out on a date. Somewhere nice. Fancy if you want"

I stared blankly at him, confused and shocked. "I'm not- uh- I'm sorry??" I laughed nervously. "Come on, sweetheart. Don't make this harder than it needs to be, ok?" He reached into his pocket slowly. Holding my gaze.

I froze, thinking he was gonna pull out a gun or threaten my life.

Instead, he pulled out a business card with his name and number on it.

"Just think about it, ok? Give me a call, and I'll have someone pick you up when you're ready." I just nodded softly and picked up the card, examine it a bit before folding it and tucking it away into my tiny bralette(??).

"Why are you dressed so casual?..the other night you were in a- a suit.." He glanced down at his outfit. He was wearing a pair of black sweats, a grey jersey-like-sweater with a red 72 embroidered on the front, white airforces, a red backward cap, and a silver chain on his wrist.

"I like to stay casual outside of work. The suit is normally for business transactions or meet-ups with other businesses." He leaned back against the couch again. Man spreading like a slut.

"You were wearing a suit the other night.." I spoke quietly, testing the waters.

"The other night didn't concern you, so don't push." His eyes flashed from calm to cold in a heartbeat. "Jeez- I was just stating a fact.." I rolled my eyes. But something about his defensive attitude made me more curious.

The door opened quietly, and a man in a suit came in with the water. He set it down on the table and left quickly.

"There's your water." He grabbed it and tossed it to me. I caught it but not without almost dropping it. I held onto it for a moment, glancing between him and the bottle. "Are you trying to poison me?" I asked half jokingly. "Want me to try it first?" He asked, already getting up and walking over to take the water. "I- I wasn't saying you were I was just-" Before I could finish my sentence, he took the drink, unscrewed the cap, and took a few big gulps before handing it back to me.

"Now drink." He demanded harshly.

I rolled my eyes but reluctantly took a small sip. "Good girl.." He praised softly, watching me intensely. "Go home for tonight. Think about my offer and then get back to me."

He patted my head like I was a toddler before leaving the room without another word.

"The fuck is his problem?" I said quietly to myself, rolling my eyes before taking another sip of the water.

I went home around 3 in the morning, wanting to finish my entire shift, and then took a quick and hot shower to wash off all the stress.

I stared at the card he handed me earlier, memorizing the business number like I needed it to live.

Should I call him??

(EEEEE! SO SCARED TO POST THIS😣😣😣😣)

[thefirstknife]

Because Datto is very smart, his preview video of TFS shows something that confirms our greatest dreams, despite him saying there's no spoilers in the video (probably because he has no clue who the character is), but this is visible briefly in the corner:

Obviously it was already almost 100% confirmed because of the card from the vidoc so this isn't a huge spoiler to those of us who paid attention, but man. There's something so incredibly reassuring and incredible about seeing this.

Micah-10 was such a small niche lore character, but one that everyone loved instantly. And then all the way back in BL they gave us some backstory about her which was interesting in so many ways; her connection to the Traveler, her life as a little kid on Europa, her gay dads and most importantly her identity as a trans woman which was shown in such an elegant and simple way without making it seem like they're doing this for good boy points, as so much of media does. It wasn't a big deal, it wasn't used to sell products, it's just there, as a part of the story and the world.

And now we'll actually see her and hear her. To know for a fact that she is becoming a voiced and living character in the, arguably, most important expansion is incredible beyond words. They did not have to do this or choose this character in particular, but they did. I can't wait to see her, which I believe we will soon because a "[redacted]" character was teased through the Cosplay Cosmodrome back in April. They should start showing us the cosplay today, though we're not sure when the cosplayer for Micah will be shown.

[nightplvmes]

it'll be quick

sylus x fem!reader | nsfw, +18, MDNI!—explicit content, penetration, sex in public place | an : i don't know if I like this, any opinion is welcome... likes and reblogs are appreciated :) ★ masterlist here

"Sy..." She gasped feeling her breasts press against the wall in front of her. Her breathing was already heavy and it hadn't been more than a couple of minutes.

"It'll be quick," he murmured, kissing her cheek. She didn't stop there, too many things were going through her head at once. The place where they were. The bathroom door. Sylus' hands sliding under her dress to push aside her underwear.

"Someone can see us," she gasped again but she didn't even make an attempt to get away or stop from him, she didn't want to stop, she needed him as much as he did. Sylus placed a kiss on her bare shoulder and smiled. It was an auction or a fundraiser... or a fundraising auction, she wasn't sure yet. Sylus had been teasing her all night and she had barely paid attention to her surroundings. She didn't even want to be there, neither did he, he had mentioned how those events were nothing more than a farce but he needed people to see him.

And now there they were, in an empty bathroom (maybe), her boyfriend's hands on her and she was sure what would happen next. "Spread your legs." She complied and felt another kiss on her cheek. Someone could come in at any moment and see them like that, what would they do if that happened? Just die of embarrassment. "So pretty... embarrassed and needy." One of his arms went around her waist, pulling her close to him, and his other hand slid down to hold one of her thighs.

"We shouldn't do this," she repeated letting her head fall back, allowing Sylus access to her neck—sucking with the intention of leaving a visible mark.

"No, we shouldn't," he replied holding her tightly before sliding inside her. "So tight around me." He left a peak on her lips and began to thrust into her, trying to be fast without hurting her.

She moaned, holding on tightly to the wall in front of her. She had discovered two things about Sylus: He could be slow and gentle, careful as he whispered sweet things in her ear. But he could also be fast, he could be slightly rough without hurting her or making her uncomfortable. "Sy–ah..." She wanted to say something, the words were in her throat but she just wanted to moan and writhe in his arms. "Fuck, that's... so good."

"Shh" He gently cupped her jaw, causing her to turn her face towards him. "Someone can come in, remember?" She nodded, feeling dizzy from the pleasure. Her mind couldn't focus on anything else but her boyfriend's arms around her and the way he was thrusting into her. Fast. Slow. Hard. Then fast again.

"Oh god... Sylus-" She placed her hand against the wall and he took it to intertwine their fingers.

"I know." He nodded without letting her finish. He could feel it, the way she tightened around him. His hand dropped from her thigh but holding her waist tightly, his free hand sliding between her folds to her sensitive clit. She whimpered harder, bucking her hips against him. "So beautiful..." Sylus let out a growl and took her jaw again this time to kiss her in an attempt to silence her moans.

"Mmph!" She writhed in his arms, heat building in her body and it was only a matter of seconds before she finally came and felt her legs shake. Sylus stopped kissing her, held her hips tightly and thrust one last time inside her. His deep moans echoed in her ears as she felt her insides being filled. She held onto the wall again to avoid falling to the ground, it took her several moments to realize what they had just done... and where. "I couldn't believe we did this," she muttered after a few seconds, her breathing still heavy.

"I know." He smiled kissing her lips once more but this time it was a slower and softer kiss. He helped her adjust her clothes while leaving kisses on her cheek or forehead. She wasn't sure if anyone had seen or heard them, she hoped she hadn't been too loud.

Sylus held her in his arms to prevent her legs from collapsing. He helped her clean herself up, though not completely, as a reminder of what they had done. The rest of the night he didn't leave her side for a second, but that was normal. What was not usual was feeling the remains of his seed still inside her every time she had to move.

[wonderjanga]

I am not a Father

This is based off @elvesandlanterns’s report of this post.

When Flash, told Bruce and literally everyone else about the photo, Bruce immediately wanted to see it. Why? Because if he could see it, he might be able to identify who this Freddy character is. If he identifies this Freddy, he could identify Marvel’s civilian counterpart. So, that was just what he did, or rather made Tim do.

Robin!Tim: “Hey, Junior?”

Junior: “Yeah?”

Robin!Tim: “Can I see that photo of Marvel and your dad?”

Junior: “Uh… Why? Also, again, Freddy’s not my dad.”

Robin!Tim: “It’s pretty obvious he is, man.”

Junior: “No, it’s not. You also still haven’t answered why.”

Robin!Tim: “I wanna see it because I’m curious about baby Marvel and baby Freddy.”

Junior: “Neither of them are babies though?”

Robin!Tim: “I’ll give you twenty bucks if I can see the photo.”

Junior: “Deal.” *fishes it out of his pocket dimension and hands it to him before taking the twenty bucks from Tim*

It was just a quick look for whatever reason, right? Thats why Freddy thought nothing of it, especially when offered the twenty. They could have groceries for months with this bill! They might even be able to get a treat for themselves with it. Billy’s birthday was coming up, maybe he could get him a cake? Or some fast food? Or a present? Maybe the Bulletman action figure he saw Billy eyeing in a store window? He wanted to get him something, he knew that.

Anyways, Tim guiltily snapped a couple pictures, feeling bad about going behind his friends back, and then sent them to Bruce a few minutes after handing the photo back to Junior.

Bruce immediately got to work, trying to match a names to the faces. He ended up having to switch to paper files and break into the city hall in Fawcett because neither boy would come up in an online database. That’s how he found Frederick Christopher Freeman and William Joseph Batson. Born in 1932 and 1933 respectively. Both Orphans. Both were likely on the streets after being orphaned. No known death date which suggests they could be alive, though it’s unlikely considering they’d be in their nineties and the asbestos in this town would’ve gotten to them already.

Though, considering that Marvel is still alive and young, this could paint a not so nice picture. Could Fredrick have grown old and died while Marvel had stayed young? Is that why he had the look of horror when he was mentioned? Is Fredrick actually Junior’s father? They certainly do look similar. It would also make sense as to why Cap was raising Junior. If this was his friend’s kid, he probably wouldn’t want him on the streets. But then how does Junior have Marvel’s powers? Can Marvel give powers willy-nilly? So many questions yet no answers.

Thankfully, he came across a news channel clip of Marvel saying that his powers were genetic. Billy made that up on the spot, not that Bruce would know.

Okay? So they are related, but how? Does that mean Junior is Marvel and Fredrick’s child? Lord, was Flash actually right about Fredrick and Marvel dating at some point? Wait, but if Junior is actually their kid, how was he born? Surrogacy? William- it’s strange to call the Captain that- has a sister, but she was pronounced dead. As for Fredrick, he had a brother but that’s it. They could’ve gotten someone random maybe? But then how would the kid look like Fredrick but have the Captain’s powers, was it magic? Can you do that? Can you have a magic pregnancy?? Bruce is falling down the rabbit hole and he can’t stop himself.

Eventually, he just went up to the pair and asked them directly.

Junior and Marvel: *talking*

Batman: “Captain? Could I ask you something?

Marvel: “Of course! What is it?”

Batman: “I…” *looks at Freddy for like three seconds before looking back to Marvel*

Marvel: *smiling*

Batman: “Is Junior yours and Fredrick Freeman’s biological son?”

Bruce has never heard a louder silence in his life. A clueless confusion could slowly be seen crossing Marvel’s face.

Marvel: “Wha-”

Junior: “Yup.” *nods his head*

Marvel: *looks over to him with the same horrified expression*

Batman: “Now, Marvel, there’s no need to look like that.” *reaches up to put and hand on Marvel’s shoulder* “Here at the Justice League we accept members of any race, religion, color, or sexual orientation.”

With that Batman left Billy and Freddy there. Billy’s jaw was already dropped, and as soon as Batman was out of sight, Freddy’s jaw dropped too.

Later…

Billy: “I can’t believe you said that!”

Freddy: “Dude, would you have rather wanted to explain that we’re two kids who got powers and decided to fight crime?”

Billy: “…No.”

Freddy: “That’s what I thought. Now here, take this.” *hands Billy a Bulletman action figure*

Billy: “What?!” *jaw drops* “Freddy where’d you get this?!”

Freddy: “I bought it, duh.”

Billy: “This is awesome!” *hugs the life out of Freddy*

Btw for this to work, somehow no one knows about the time bubble.

[jellyfishsthings]

Endless Conversations at 3 A.M.

navigation , dc navigation

Summary: Tim yearning for a nerdy girl who constantly talks about her new books or new science inventions and they constantly talk for hours about stuff while snacking in the kitchen, falling asleep at 5 in the morning 

The story takes place in a boarding school

requests are open

dividers by @cafekitsune 

Tim Drake didn’t need anyone to tell him he was smart. He knew it. It was in the way he could analyze the most obscure pieces of data in a split second, how he could solve crimes before anyone had a chance to even start thinking about them. His mind was like a finely tuned machine, a network of connections firing off constantly. It was something he’d grown up with—his mind working faster than anyone could keep up with. He wasn’t used to distractions, not of the kind that made his chest ache like this. He had his routine. Work. Training. Late-night study sessions. A mind like his, sharp and constantly processing, didn’t have the time for anything that could derail it.

And then there was you.

Something different about you.

It started innocently enough, as most things did. You were the quiet girl who sat in the corner of the library, your nose buried in books Tim had never heard of, your fingers scribbling through the margins like you were finding answers nobody else could. You’d walk past him in the halls, brief glances exchanged. Nothing special. But then one afternoon, it happened. He’d found himself in the middle of one of those impossibly late-night snack sessions in the kitchen, eyes barely open as he rummaged for something to keep him awake long enough to finish his latest round of equations.

He was in the kitchen. Late night. Gotham asleep, with only the faintest hum of the city stretching into the silence of the manor. Tim had a habit of coming down to the kitchen late, especially when his mind was racing with some unsolved puzzle, some unsent email, some unanswered question. He often wandered into the kitchen without thinking, grabbed a snack, and stared into the night—letting the dark and quiet cool his thoughts.

You’d walked in, all energy and calm, with a pile of half-open notebooks tucked under your arm. A girl who, to Tim, was an enigma wrapped in thoughts too complicated for anyone but herself to understand. You looked at him, that half-smile you always wore curling your lips.

"Is it just me, or does the kitchen at 2 A.M. always feel like a secret club?"

Tim had almost dropped the spoon he’d been holding, unsure if he was supposed to feel embarrassed or if he should have said something cooler in response. "Guess we’re the only ones left awake," was all he could muster, his words just a little too casual, as if he hadn’t noticed how breathtakingly out of place you were in the middle of his late-night routine.

You didn’t seem to mind. You sat across from him, dropping your notebooks on the table like they were nothing. And in the next few hours, he learned more about you than he could have ever expected.

“Tim?” You’d looked up, catching him mid-step. “Can you help me with this?”

Tim blinked. You were the smart girl at school—one who was always absorbed in a book, always two steps ahead. But this? This wasn’t something he could solve in a blink. He knew that much.

“What is it?” he asked, leaning over, his curiosity piqued.

You pointed to an equation, half-finished, a series of symbols and numbers that had Tim doing a double-take. He’d never seen anything quite like it before.

“That’s—” he started, feeling the familiar rush of his brain kicking into overdrive. The puzzle was fascinating, but it was also wildly complex. Not even Tim Drake, with his natural intelligence and years of experience solving some of Gotham’s most dangerous riddles, could immediately decipher it.

“What are you working on?” he asked, his voice careful.

You didn’t seem to notice the way his mind was already trying to dissect it. Instead, you simply launched into an explanation, as casual as if you were talking about the weather.

“Just a little something on applied mathematics for motion systems. The kind of calculations for things like weather balloons, or even drones. It's about optimization—how to minimize error in the systems under the influence of wind currents.”

Tim raised an eyebrow. “You lost me at drones.”

You laughed. “I tend to do that. I’ll break it down for you—it's about minimizing trajectory error when accounting for random variables. A lot of variables, really. Wind, angle of release, external disturbances.”

Tim was smart enough to keep up with you. He was more than capable of handling advanced physics, calculus, and cryptography. But hearing it from you, seeing the way you lit up when you talked about it, made him feel like he was stepping into a world he hadn’t yet explored. It was almost like watching someone conjure magic from thin air, weaving a spell with nothing but numbers and formulas.

“So…” Tim said slowly, trying to catch up, “It’s like predicting the movement of a batarang?”

Your smile was so wide it lit up the kitchen, and Tim’s heart beat just a little faster than usual. He hated how it was so easy for you to distract him, even when his brain was running at full speed.

“Exactly,” you said, leaning closer, eyes sparkling. “But with drones, the error margins are a lot more unpredictable. It’s fascinating because if you tweak the variables just slightly, you can make it so the drone compensates for the wind before it even feels it.”

Tim let that sink in for a moment, then nodded, impressed. He had a sharp mind, no doubt about it, but hearing you talk about these things—he felt like an amateur again. Like there were so many layers of the world that he hadn’t even begun to peel back. And yet, you made it sound so... easy. It was that which made his chest tighten.

You were in a world of your own, and somehow, it felt like he wasn’t invited. Like he wasn’t quite smart enough for you. And that thought gnawed at him, because, if there was one thing Tim Drake hated, it was feeling like he wasn’t enough.

The next hour passed in a blur. You’d pulled out books Tim could barely pronounce the names of, showing him your newest discoveries. Some were about math, others about biology, and a few were a mix of historical facts and theories Tim couldn’t even wrap his brain around.

By the time dawn was breaking, the kitchen light flickering in time with your laughs and animated explanations, Tim felt a gnawing ache in his chest that he couldn’t shake. He’d lost track of time. You’d lost track of time. Your eyes sparkled as you spoke, your hand absently playing with your pencil, and Tim found himself simply... listening.

When the clock struck 5 A.M., and you stood up to leave, exhausted yet satisfied, it hit him—this wasn’t just an intellectual curiosity. This wasn’t about math equations or theories that defied logic. It was about you. And him. And the way you made him feel like the world was full of wonder again.

The weeks that followed felt like an endless cycle of late-night sessions in the kitchen, your voice filling the silence like some endless tide. You would talk about everything—science, history, psychology—your brain a repository of fascinating facts that made Tim’s own mental library feel incomplete.

He tried his best to keep up, but more often than not, he’d be left staring at you, trying to catch his breath while your words rushed past him, faster than his mind could follow.

One night, you’d been talking for hours about string theory, gesturing wildly with your hands as if the entire universe were contained in those movements. Tim couldn’t help but stare at the way your fingers moved, the way you became so engrossed in the theories, as if they were pieces of a puzzle only you could see.

“…and what’s even crazier,” you said, dropping another scientific bombshell, “is that if string theory is true, then theoretically, every fundamental particle in the universe is just a manifestation of these tiny vibrating strings. It’s mind-blowing, don’t you think?”

Tim swallowed hard, realizing he had absolutely no idea what you were talking about. He smiled awkwardly, trying to mask his confusion. “Yeah, totally. Just... uh, yeah. That’s... mind-blowing.”

You grinned at him. “You look lost. Want me to explain it again?”

And that’s when it hit him. He wasn’t just out of his depth intellectually—he was out of his depth emotionally, too. He liked you. No, he really liked you. But it wasn’t just your intelligence. It was how you made the world feel like a bigger place than it actually was. You weren’t just talking to him—you were showing him a whole new universe, and Tim couldn’t help but be entranced by that.

You never asked for him to be there. You never seemed to expect him to show up with his tired eyes and his quiet smile. But you didn’t mind when he did, and that’s what made it feel like some unspoken bond.

"Did you ever wonder," you asked one night, halfway through a book about quantum mechanics, "if the universe could actually be a series of dimensions stacked on top of each other, like a never-ending accordion? Like... time could be folded in on itself, and we wouldn’t even know?"

Tim paused, his spoon halfway to his mouth. “Yeah. Sometimes. But... the whole idea of alternate realities always trips me up. Like, how would we ever even know they exist?”

"Exactly!" You waved your hands as if the answer was just around the corner. "It’s this weird thing about perception and reality. What if, in another reality, we're having this exact conversation, but everything’s slightly different? Like, you’re left-handed, or I’m talking about the different types of black holes instead of quantum stuff?"

Tim tried to keep up, but the words you were saying were floating just beyond his reach. He didn’t care. He just wanted to listen.

“I think,” he said, finding his voice again after a beat, “that it’s kind of beautiful. The idea that everything’s connected, but also... so separate. So, so separate, in a way that makes everything more precious.”

Your eyes met his, sharp and knowing, and for a moment, it felt like the universe had paused.

"Yeah," you whispered. "I think so too."

The next few weeks passed in a haze of equations, theories, and late-night talks. Tim found himself looking forward to those kitchen sessions more than he cared to admit. It wasn’t just that you challenged him mentally—it was that you made him feel something he wasn’t used to feeling: a longing for something more.

You would talk about books, or inventions you were working on, or your plans for the future. Tim would listen, sometimes offering his own insights, sometimes just letting the sound of your voice fill the empty space between them. And, more often than not, he found himself staring at you, trying to memorize the way your eyes would sparkle when you were passionate, how you made even the most abstract concepts sound like something real, something worth fighting for.

But it wasn’t until one particularly late night—around 4 A.M., with the two of you sitting in the kitchen, surrounded by the remnants of half-empty mugs and snack wrappers—that Tim realized just how deep his feelings for you had grown.

“You’re not tired yet?” he asked, watching as you scribbled another complicated equation on the back of a napkin.

“Not yet. I’m on a roll,” you said, your voice bright, the familiar fire in your eyes still burning strong. “Do you ever get like that? Like you’re so focused on something, you don’t even notice how much time passes?”

Tim paused for a moment, his eyes lingering on you, not just because of how brilliant you were, but because there was something about you that made him feel seen. "Yeah. I think I do," he said softly.

The silence stretched out between you two, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was a quiet understanding, a space where you both were just… there. Tim realized, in that moment, that he didn’t need to keep up with you all the time. He didn’t need to understand everything you said. He just needed to be in the same room as you, listening. Just listening.

And maybe, that was enough.

But the truth was: Tim was falling for you. Hard.

It wasn’t just about the way you made complicated things sound simple or how you made the most mundane theories seem like pieces of art. It wasn’t just your kindness or your intelligence or the way you always made him feel like there was no one else more important in the world than him.

It was the way you talked. The way your eyes lit up with excitement, your hands gesturing wildly, your mind constantly racing with thoughts too big for the world around you to keep up with. Tim realized that, in those moments, he didn’t feel like he was just keeping pace with your words—he was trying to keep up with your soul.

One night, as you debated whether or not time travel was theoretically possible through a wormhole, Tim’s heart nearly cracked under the weight of his emotions. His breath caught, and he almost blurted out something reckless. Something about how he loved the way your mind worked, how it felt like he was watching a comet streak across the sky every time you spoke.

But all he said was, “You’re incredible, you know that?”

You blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his voice, but then smiled softly. “Yeah. I get that sometimes. Just... never thought I’d hear it from you.”

Tim felt his pulse spike. His voice was tight. “Why?”

You leaned back, tucking your legs under yourself. “Because you’re always so... distant. You’re quiet, Tim. You think in silence. I thought that’s how you wanted the world to stay.”

He couldn’t think of a way to respond that didn’t sound like an admission of how much he cared. So he just settled for a small smile, one that tugged at his lips but didn’t quite make it to his eyes.

The truth was, he had never been good at showing affection. But with you? With you, it didn’t matter. You already understood the language of his silences.

It was a month later, during another conversation that stretched far past 3 A.M., when you finally asked him, “Tim, do you ever just get tired of all the noise in your head? The pressure, the constant thinking?”

Tim stared at the empty coffee cup in front of him, his chest heavy. It was one of those moments where he wished he could express what he was feeling. He wished he could make you understand just how much it meant that he could sit here, in this moment, in this quiet space with you, and just... breathe. No pressure. No questions. No expectations. Just... you.

But he didn’t say any of that. Instead, he simply answered, “Yeah. I do. But sometimes... it’s nice to be with someone who makes the world quieter.”

So Tim found himself opening up in ways he hadn’t expected. He no longer felt the need to pretend that he could keep up with you every step of the way. Instead, he let himself just be present in the moment, just enjoying your company and letting your words guide him through this strange, fascinating world you had built.

One night, as you sat there, deep in conversation about the possibility of life on other planets, Tim realized that maybe it wasn’t the equations that fascinated him. Maybe it was you. Your mind, your passion, your voice. You had this way of making everything seem possible, of opening doors to worlds Tim hadn’t even dreamed of.

And in that moment, it felt like you understood, even without the words. You smiled, a soft, knowing smile. And for the first time, Tim felt like maybe, just maybe, he didn’t need to understand everything to know how he felt.

And in that moment, Tim realized something else: he wasn’t just falling for you. He was already in love with you.

[trippinsorrows]

stuck

authors note: if you've read the hot mess express, you'll understand this. you really, sadly, do need to read said hot mess in order to understand. it's backstory that, hopefully, sheds a tad bit more light on solana's situation.

limited tags. hopefully, we can keep these few shorts contained with just a select few folks, so ya'll don't start making them requests for this to actually become a thing. 😭

words: 1.5k

warnings: angst

“You remember my cousin Bron?”

An unexpected question that pulls us from the silence that settled between us. The only sounds present in the kitchen being the splash of dishes into the water and the clatter that stems from me placing the wet but clean plates in the drying rack.

I have to think about it for a second. “He’s big, right?” And orange. I’ve never seen a white man other than that man with such a….bold tan.

One glance at Cody leaning against the counter beside the dishwasher, cold beer in one hand, eyes on me. “Yeah. Was at the wedding.”

I wonder if he knows I try my best not to think about said wedding. “What about him?”

Cody waits until taking another sip before responding. “Apparently, his wife has been cheating on him.”

I’ve never been so thankful to have my hands submerged in the sink of soapy water, because if not, he would have seen the way they stilled at his answer. It takes a lot for me to maintain my composure. The only thing keeping me sane and still the swell of my belly, the feel of the babies moving inside, as if they also heard him. 

As if they also know. 

“Oh?” I grab the sponge to continue scrubbing the dishes used in the dinner I prepared for us tonight. It’s been his recommendation. Dinner once a week, alternating houses, to prepare. Prepare for us finally living together.

I wish I could feel less depressed about that. 

He nods. “Yup.”

I don’t know what possesses me to ask. Maybe because it feels like a normal, natural follow-up question to such a statement, but still, something about it leaves a bitter aftertaste. “Are they getting a divorce?”

But, it’s when Cody chuckles, almost comically that I turn my head to look at him. “Of course not.”

The smallest hint of a frown on my face, as I ask, “but….she cheated on him.” Why wouldn’t they divorce? The unspoken tail end of my statement. A statement that suddenly feels like it has ulterior motives, like there’s something else being sought out.

Insight. 

I’m looking for his insight. 

His eyes settle on me, and I take a second to take him in. Cody isn’t an ugly man. Hardly. Striking blue eyes, sharp, angular features, a nice build. He’s an objectively handsome man, albeit with….interesting tattoos. 

But, he’s not him. 

No one could ever be him.

“We don’t do that in my family.” 

Thankfully, Cody’s reply snatches me from memories of the man I saw just earlier today. He’d come to see me at the hospital, snuck and brought me lunch. The feel of his big hand on my stomach, questions about the pregnancy and how I’ve been feeling as we ate in the backseat of the SUV. The almost domestic nature of it all before we ended up arguing. He left, upset with me and vice versa. Not like it’s the first time, nor will it be the last time. But, up until that point, it was nice. 

However, there’s nothing nice—or sensible—about Cody’s answer. 

“Why?” Again, it feels like a normal question. The conversation now something that has my full, undivided attention. “I mean….people get divorced. It—it happens all the time.”

“Not us.” I wish I could tell if he’s still referring to his family. Or something else. “It’s….it’s not a good look.”

“And staying with someone who cheated is?” Ironic words coming from the poster girl for infidelity herself, but there’s something illogical about what he’s saying. Something I can’t understand. Or, maybe I just don’t want to.

Still, he remains staunch rooted and planted in his take.“They have children. It’s better to work things out than to break up the family.”

I turn to him, hands now pulled from the water, as I use the towel on the counter beside the sink to dry them. “But, sometimes that does more harm than—”

“Solana.” The firmest use of my name I think I’ve ever heard from him. It makes my shoulders drop. “That’s just how it is, alright?” It doesn’t feel like he’s looking for understanding. Just acceptance. Even if forced. 

And once again, I’m not sure what possesses me to ask, why I would even rock the boat and dance so close to fire, but it escapes before I can reel it back in. “So, if it was us, and infidelity was an issue….we just….stay married? No matter what?”

I don’t know what answer I’m looking for. What answer I want to hear, or even what I need to hear, I just know his response isn’t on the list of possible responses that I’d mentally formulated. “It’s different for us.” 

The shovel continues to dig. “How?”

“Our marriage is a contractual agreement. The fulfillment of a debt. Divorce isn’t an option, because there’s no undoing the contract.” 

Contract. A piece of paper. A single, binding legal agreement that’s left me in a situation not of my doing but of someone no longer with us. My father, bless his soul, in trying to save our family from being homeless, from losing everything he worked so hard to build, made a deal with the devil. Thought promising his daughter to Dusty’s son—the man who stands only inches away from me— gaze assessing and watchful, would save us. And, in some ways, it did. It saved my family but damned me. A debt I didn’t even acquire but am being forced to pay.

A debt I’ve considered from time to time over the past years actually repaying. If there exists some chance to pay off the debt my father accrued in his constant borrowing from the Nightmare Factory. If the deal can be undone. Thousands. I know it was in the hundreds of thousands at the time, and time, inflation, maybe even interest, would raise that initial number, but with the salary I’m set to make once I’m done with school, it feels doable. Even if I don’t live the life one might expect someone with a Dr. behind their name to live. Even if fancy, expensive restaurants are traded for simple, budget friendly meals. Designer clothes with names so foreign, I don’t even know how to pronounce them, replaced with fast fashion outfits that serve the purpose under my white coat. A decent apartment in an okay part of town versus the condo I live in now, courtesy of the man I call my legal husband. Major sacrifices to some, a path to freedom for me. 

Freedom to choose. To actually choose who I want to be with. Whose wedding ring I want to don. Who I wish to spend the rest of my life with. 

And kind as Cody can be, that’s not him.

If only the alternative wasn’t him. 

But, the fact of the matter is that this conversation leads me to believe that for all of my wondering, and maybe even hoping, over the years, there still and will always remain the fact that no amount of monetary substitution can undo what’s already been done. Can null and void an agreement made by two parties no longer among this earth.

And one of those parties is no longer here because of the man you wish to leave your husband for. 

The dread that settles within me deepens the frown on my face, something I’m unable to hide. Just like the most devastating question and realization I’ve encountered in some time.

Perhaps ever.

So, I’m stuck? Forever?

Unspoken words fully felt. 

“Even though….even though it was technically not for me?” I don’t say her name. Not even just because of this situation. It’s too painful, hurts too deep to invoke the name of the person I’ll never be able to see or speak to again. The person whose place I was forced to take, and sometimes, when I think about it, I wonder if…if her ending would be preferred over this. Freedom in the eternal versus bondage in the living. 

His eyes are leveled, briefly darting to my belly, his free hand reaching to plant over my stomach. I wish I didn’t want to back away. “Yes.” 

I don’t say anything after that. Not immediately. It’s not until he removes his hand, and I resume washing the dishes that I ask another question. One that stems from putting it all together, what was said, what wasn’t said, and what could be extracted. 

“If they were to divorce….he’d keep the kids from her….wouldn’t he?”

He never gives me an answer. 

And that’s all the answer that I need.

Stuck. 

[loviestar58]

hai,love!!!❤️

Since Christmas is coming soon, I want to make a special request for that special day.🤭

Vi,Viktor,ekko,and sevika ( if you writer for her ) With lovely,cutey fem s/o giving them christmas presents.please

Btw, nice to meet you and merry christmas (in case i forgot to say it) 🎄❤️🧁🎁

🎄~Fem!Reader Giving Christmas presents~🎄

Ooohhhh this is such a cute one!😭💖

Nice to meet you too! And Merry Christmas/happy holidays!😊

This is definitely perfect for the holiday season, this is a must-do request!

For this, imagine yourself/reader in a cutie Santa dress. Whatever your mind comes up with!🤭

Also could be seen as a modern!au or just from the show, I just took some liberties with settings

Enjoy‼️💖

Vi:

🥊~It'd be another freezing night in the undercity, both you and Vi would be spending it in your shared apartment together. Snow gently falls outside, some small flecks of snowflakes sticking to the windows alongside the frost on the edges, creating a pretty shimmer over the glass. Vi would be relaxing on the couch, you by her side as you both cuddled up together under your giant heated blanket (best investment you ever had), watching some sort of cheesy Christmas movie that made Vi roll her eyes every few seconds. You, on the other hand, instead of watching the movie, we're watching the clock. The small arrow that counted the seconds ticking quietly, your eyes never leaving it, before it made it to 12. You started to get up from the very warm cuddle. "And where exactly are you going? You know, you made me watch this movie with you, and now you're leaving before it ends? What gives?" Her playful and teasing tone was not missed by your ears, especially when it was accompanied by that smirk of hers. You giggle, telling her that you'd be right back, practically prancing your way to your bedroom, barely able to contain the excitement that threatened to bubble up and out of your body. Vi would roll her eyes in amusement and wait, eyes back to the movie and not knowing how much time had passed before she heard the bedroom door open again, glancing to her side quickly and then double-taking as she saw you, now full on staring. You'd come back in different clothes, all dolled up as a cute mimic of Santa. "Ha, didn't know it was still Halloween, muffin. Wasn't expecting this. I'm not complaining though, you look..hot. Heh". Her eyes pierced through you, analyzing every curve and movement of your body. How the dress hugged your waist just right, how your thighs looked in the stockings you wore, and barely made it up to how your chest looked until you spoke up again, saying that it was officially Christmas, and you had a present for her. Holding your hands out, a sizable box lay in your hands. Vi blinked and looked up at the clock: 12:15 AM, now Christmas Day. Chuckling, Vi gingerly took the box from you and did so again as you plopped next to her on the couch, excitement written all over your face, anticipation building at Vi's possible reaction, which the pinkette couldn't help but find adorable. Taking the lid off the box, she gasped, eyes downcasted onto the object inside, her breath caught and chest tightening from the item. Pulling it out, a pair of boxing gloves revealed themselves, but not just any old pair, almost exact replicas of the ones Vander wore. You ask what she thought of it, if she likes it. Vi was almost speechless, thumb drawing small circles over the material of the gloves, memories flashing in her mind of the good days, the days of practicing boxing techniques with Vander in the basement of their home, Powder watching and cheering. Nothing else mattered. She didn't even realize a tear was falling from her eye until you panicked and tried to comfort her, saying if she didn't like it that you can take it back-

"No! No..it's alright, muffin. I'm ok, just..this is.." She was lost for words again, but found them again quickly as she smiled softly. "This is the best gift I've ever gotten..they look, just like his. And it's from you, which makes it even better. I love it. Thank you, muffin". Relief crosses your face as you let out a breath, leaning onto Vi and resting your forehead against hers, gently nuzzling each other as she wraps and arm around you to bring you closer, sharing a sweet and tender kiss as you wish each other a merry Christmas.

Viktor:

🩼~The lab was relatively quiet, only the soft whirring of the hexcore runes being shifted again and again, the bright blue light illuminating each time and bringing to light the exhaustion that lie all over Viktors face. Leaning back in his chair with a frustrated sigh, Viktor rubbed his eyes, bags underneath them dark and deep, all from way too many late nights. "Urghh..what am I missing?" He grumbles under his breath, eyes now staring dead at the hexcore in front of him. He had been staying up once again, another one of the many many sleepless nights he had been taking to figure out this mysterious rune-filled device. It was almost mocking him as it moved, pulsing it's blue glow as some runes shifted on their own. He felt his head starting to get fuzzy, slight dizziness falling over him before hearing a soft knock at the door, a specific knock. Your knock. The door opens as you step into the lab, Viktor having yet to turn around, already knowing it was you. "Hello, my love. I..I know it is late, so before you say anythi-" his long, pre-prepared explanation that he has made to you many times, knowing how worried you've gotten over him the past while, had got caught in his throat as he turned in his chair at the mere sight of you. You, standing there with a warm smile on your face, the dress that made your figure even more beautiful than usual, and of course the present in your hands. You say a soft hello to him as he continued to stare, not realizing he was repeating his own hello to you. "E-eh..hello, lovely. You..look incredible. What is this about?" You giggled, reminding him that it was now Christmas, and has been for about and hour or two, him glancing at the clock and realizing it for himself. "Ah..so it is. I- did not realize-" his eyes landed on the box again. "Is this..for me?" You nod happily, giddyness filling your body as you hand the box over to him, excited to see his reaction to your present. Viktor held the box on his lap and slowly began to unwrap it, the sounds of ripping wrapping paper filling the lap as well as cardboard being scratched against and opened. Reaching his hands into the box, he pulled out a small notebook and new looking fountain pen, the expensive kind. He smiles softly "A new notebook, and is this..oh my love, you did not.." You nodded excitedly, reciting the time he had mentioned wanting a new pen and that he particularly liked a specific brand of it, said it writes the smoothest for his taste. You explained how you recruited the help of Jayce to help track one down for you, seeing as how the brand he liked was rare and expensive, you told Jayce you'd pay him back, but of course he refused and said he was just happy to know he could help get something to make Viktor happy, and that made Viktor chuckle softly. "I must give Jayce my thanks when I see him again for his contributions of this gift. I love it, lovely. Thank you". He reached a hand up to bring you closer to him, placing the palm of his hand to you cheek and making you mean down and meet his lips against yours in a tender and soft kiss, full of gratitude and love for the gift. He holds the kiss for a good moment, always being the type to savor the feeling no matter the context of the kiss, before breaking it with a soft grin, allowing you to smile lovingly and wish him merry Christmas, and he does the same...then you start to scold him for staying up late again and tell him to go to sleep. And as usual he protests.

Ekko:

⏳~Laughter rang out throughout the base, young firelight kids running around in a traditional game of tag, or a mix of tag and a Snowball fight. Light snow fell to the ground, coating the area with a thin sheet of white that crunched beneath the shoes of everyone who stepped in it. Ekko stood on a balcony up on the big tree they called home, his big green jacket wrapped snuggly on his body to keep him warm as he smiled at the scene down below. The children playing always made his heart warm, glad they could find some joy in this chaotic world of theirs, and it made him know that he was doing things right. A small grunt broke his spaced out state, turning his head to see Scar besides him, not as bundled up as he was, a perk of being Vastayan, he supposed. "It's starting, as our leader I had to find you. Especially since your lover insisted this time" he spoke, chuckling in that deep voice of his. Ekko chuckled himself, shaking his head and pushing himself off the balcony to follow Scar down the tree, hoverboards being deployed within seconds. "Yeah, I'm comin'". By the time the two got down, feet crunching the snow beneath them, a circle of the firelights were in place, a big bonefire in the center of them all. Standing in the middle, giant bag in hand, was you. Dressed up the part to play as good ol' saint Nick, little bell on your hat jingling as you moved from kid to kid, handing out small presents you made yourself over the past month. You made sure no one was left out, having taken note of each person in the base, young adults included, and made them something personal for each one. As you kept handing out presents, Ekko watched you with a warm gaze, admiring your looks, and your heart. How you were such a kind and sweet girl to his people, going out of your way to do things like this for the time he's known you. You felt his gaze, turning to him and beaming that radient smile of yours that made his heart skip as you made your way over to him. "Seems you've been busy, you really got everyone something, didn't you?" You nodded happily, pulling two small boxes, the last two, out of the bag, you hand one to Scar and then to Ekko. Both men smiled at you, the Vastayan wasting no time in seeing what it was, pulling out a small pair of matching gloves, one for him and his baby, and he couldn't help the grateful look that washed over him, nodding in thanks to you which you returned with a hug, catching him off guard for a moment before he returned the gesture. Scar then left to go check on said baby, muttering a quick "Be right back" before leaving. Your attention returned to Ekko who had been fiddling with the little bow on the box, untying it as he felt your gaze on him, and lifting the kid. His eyes widened, pulling out a small wooden statue, carved in the image of a firelight bug, and then a pair of bracelets. You explain how they were matching, one for him and the other for you, each with your initials so you two can carry each other with you and be together, no matter where you are. "Firefly.." He whispered, his voice almost shaking. It'd been a while since he'd been given something so sweet and sentimental "..this is, beautiful. I..wow, you made these? How long did you spend on these? The details.." He trailed off, examining the jewelry and the small statue, box long forgotten on the ground. You stood there, proud of yourself, and feeling your heart swell at his reaction, lunging at him for a hug, stunning him for a moment. He smiled with a slight huff, putting the little presents in his pockets and returning the embrace, arms wrapping around your figure that seemed to mold perfectly against his, making his jacket come around you to create a bubble of warmth. His hand lifted to your cheek after a moment, lifting it up and bringing you in for a soft, sweet kiss. "Thank you, Firefly. Merry Christmas". You repeated it back, a gentle smile on your lips as you both got lost in each other's eyes, time stopping around you both, freezing this precious moment.

Sevika:

The door slammed open and then shut, the sound of it echoing throughout the apartment, Sevika stomping her way to the living room, cracking her neck and groaning in annoyance and anger. "Damn chem barons, oughta wring their damn necks..". With a loud plop, she sat herself down on the couch, letting out a giant sigh mixed with a groan as she rubbed her eyes. As if that would soothe any of her stress. The chem barons had been testing her patience lately, constantly ambushing her and picking fights, even if she always won, it still didn't make them any less annoying. Off in the doorway of your bedroom, you peaked around the corner, spotting Sevika on the couch and seeing just how stressed she was, watching as she fidgeted with her mechanized arm. You felt a small twinge in your heart, you hated seeing her so stressed and pissed off all the time, especially due to forces you couldn't control. After a moment or two of staring, an idea as well as a realization popped in your head, and a smile graced your cute face, giddy and retreating back into your shared bedroom. Sevika heard some rustling around in the room, having not realized you had been home the entire time. "Bunny? Is that you? Are ya home?" She called out to you, her voice sounding noticeably softer, as if she was happy knowing you were home. With no answer after a moment, she started to get up to find you, but quickly froze once you stepped back out, her eyes widening for a moment at the sight of you, a smirk appearing on her lips. "Well, what do we have here? Little bunny all dressed up for me?" You felt your cheeks heat up, a bit flustered at her usual teasing tone and giggling as you strutted up to her, gently placing a hand on her chest to make her sit back down on the couch, the other behind your back, and climbing up into her lap. She wasted no time in placing her hands on your hips, holding you close and kissing you firmly. "You're gorgeous, bunny. And based on the outfit, today's Christmas, huh?" She chuckled as you nodded excitedly, the other hand that was behind your back now coming to the front and presenting a small present box to her, which caught her off guard, but wasn't too shocked by the gesture. "Ooh, got me somethin'? Heh, I should've known". You chastise her, saying how you're not that predictable, but she begged to differ, recounting many times you've given her gifts, which made you huff playfully and roll your eyes and tell her to just open the present. She puts a hand up in fake surrender and did as she was told, unwrapping the box and prying it open with her mech hand, sharp fingers opening it up quick. She flipped the box over to dump the contents into her hand, a small item coming out and landing with a small metallic clink. "Is this..?" She started, looking up at you to see a proud look on your face. Why? Cause she was holding the lighter of a chem baron she fought. A brand logo she had mentioned before. "How did you get this?" You said one name, Jinx. And that was all Sevika needed to know. "So, you recruited the loose canon to get this for me? Heh..gotta say, I'm impressed. And..grateful". Her tone softened at the last word, flipping open the lighter to watch the pretty blue flame spouting out, smiling to herself as you wished her a merry christmas before closing it again and going in for another, more passionate kiss. "Thanks, bun. I love it" she said softly, making you giddy enough to hold her close in an embrace, her returning the gesture in full, savoring the touch. And that included some wandering hands that you felt on your lower back.

I think I did more work than I should have but like-

I love how this came out😭

I apologize for any mischaracterization, I did my best with this! But I hope you enjoyed nonetheless!😊💖

[twopoppies]

hey love, i hope this arrives in one piece and nothing is cut off, as i am not sure anymore how much i can write in a tumblr ask. just to be sure, my message ends with a ":)"

i'm a larrie since 2013, but went on a work-related tumblr break in 2018 (i work in the music industry). i returned to tumblr last week, amidst deep shared grief 💔 to find solace in community. as i tried to cheer myself up by going through my favorite blogs (like yours, it's so wonderful) and trying to catch up -especially about Harry&Louis things that i missed in the last years-, i found the posts really feel like little nuggets of joy and i'm so grateful for that. so i decided i finally want to add to it, now that my industry commitments have downsized significantly. i haven't shared this in almost a decade (never online anyway) and it's not big news or anything, but whenever i remember it, it just makes my heart glow. so, one of my closest work-friends in the industry back in the days (and i'll use neutral pronouns to protect them) did two tours with them in 🦘 in 2013 and 2015. our shared work ethics and also contracts obviously forbade us both from sharing almost all of what was seen or heard (concerning the artists' personal business), but my friend knew i firmly believed Harry and Louis to be together, just closeted (and we both knew this sadly was very common in music or the film industry; meaning mgmt iron-closeting non-straight male artists was completely and automatically still considered The Norm back then, especially with male artists doing these kinds of numbers and having that large of a young fanbase). i never indulged in my reasons or theories, because i felt like i had a professional reputation to uphold and also with me being queer and in the closet as well, it felt too personal to discuss, back then. during the first tour in 2013, we didn't text much, they just said the band was all very friendly and crew was professional, they seemed "like family". the schedule was "brutal". and security constantly needed to be "tightened", due to invasive people trying to steal or replicate tour passes. i didn't ask my friend about Harry and Louis specifically --but admittedly we also weren't that close of friends at that point. during the second tour in 2015, we were though, and only a few days in, they out of the blue texted something that made me smile so wide, i honestly think my cheeks are hurting to this day. :D i quote: "hey so those two louis and h. can't tell you more but you weren't wrong!!!" i replied with ":DDDDDDD" (honestly felt like sending a million heart emojis instead) and about an hour later they sent "every here knows too!!!" and a correction: "everyone" and to this day, almost 10 years later, I keep these imessages saved, because it made me so happy. and i hope that sharing my time-capsuled precious memory will make someone else happy, too. their love is truly something so special. oh, and one of the two was really unlucky at the pokies (slot machines) and quite a sore loser, haha. I always guessed it was Louis, but I don't know. :)

🥹 Oh, we really needed some happiness around here. Bless you for sharing this.

Also, I tend to agree with you that it was Louis on the slot machines. LMAO!

[beembeem]

Halloooo, I'd like a platonic Aizawa x reader where the reader is a student of his and tries to do EVERYTHING to not be in the Limelight bc they hate the attention? Also, they're planning on becoming an underground hero :33 Remember to drink water <33

Thank you for the request! I really had a lot of fun writing this, it was nice to write again after my break!

Stay hydrated, everyone!

You had been on aizawas radar from the first day of school. You never joined any clubs and participated in any school events. He's never seen you openly interact with anyone in your class aside from a quiet "yes" or "no." Although you performed well at the festival, you went home the second you had won your fight. Your lunches were spent in an empty classroom, so you'd avoid the groups of your classmates. He's not even sure anyone knows your name. Public speaking and being social is part of the job so when the first month of school ended and he noticed you still werent participating in any clubs or sports teams he took the opportunity to put you in on the PA with mic.

You'd be let out of class five minutes early to make your way down to the PA room and announce school news and maintenance. "Hey listener! Are you ready to get to work?" The blond yelled, and you nodded."Alright! So here's what you need to read. Don't be shy to add your own funky twist!" He handed you a sheet of paper,"just keep it school appropriate. " he laughed, and you glanced over the paper just the usual. Staircase B is out due to quirk mishaps and a new lunch special "so.. do I just read it?" You asked, staring at the PA system. The thought of the whole school hearing your voice made your stomach turn. "Yep! There's nothing else to it! Here." He stood up from his seat and motioned for you to sit."Are you ready?" He asked "uh-"great! " he didn't give you time to finish he pushed down on a bright red button in front of the microphone before saying his opening phrase "hey hey hey listeners! It's your one and only present mic and" he motioned for you to say your name "y-y/n" You stated, your voice breaking a bit " and we have a few updates to share with you guys! So y/n take it away!" He motioned for you to announce "u-uhm for today's announcement, uhm... s-staircase B is out of order, and uh, because of" you tried to be confident, but the words died on your tongue instead tears welled up in your eyes and present mic put a hand on your head before taking over and finishing the announcements. When the announcements were finished and turned to talk to you but your seat was empty, and the door was ajar.

~~~~~~~~~~

Aizawa stared blankly at you. "You want to be... an underground hero?" He repeated your words, and you nodded. "That's a first for 1a," he chuckled quietly to himself. You stared at the classroom floor and waited for him to speak again. " Why?" He asked before picking up a sheet from an earlier test and marking a few questions "w-well I don't think I handle the public as well as everyone else. You probably heard how I was on the PA system. And with the way my quirk works, I think it'd be better to work underground. Plus, I think it'd be a great opportunity for me to keep my identity a secret. " You rambled a bit anxiously, but your teachers focus still remained on the sheet. "Y/n, I get what you're saying. I really do." He started,"but you need to learn how to socialize if you want to be a hero. " he stated,"b-but!" He raised his hand, cutting you off."No buts. What if you need to control a crowd? Or help a lost child? Even if you become an underground hero that won't change what you need to learn, you frowned a little and sighed before turning back to your desk to get your bag and leave. "But." You turned to face him."If you can learn to effectively socialize and stay on the PA system for the rest of the school year, I'll mark you as an underground hero, " he said then turned his attention right back to the sheet of paper. You smiled and thanked him before leaving the classroom and shutting the door behind you.

[cryinggirlnamedhelen]

geese - itoshi rin

fem!reader

set in the same universe as the reincarnation for the hunger games rin fanfic linked HERE. can be seen as a part 2 for it, hence why this is a fem reader.

walking home with rin from school and taking a stop at the beach nearby has practically become routine for the two of you.

he was the captain of the school boys team, and you were the manager. you were both dating and also next door neighbors, which formed the convenient habit of you both always holding hands, whether it was being on cleaning duty at school or when you were both walking home in the sunset.

another long day of practice had just ended, and the soft glow of the setting sun illuminated both of your faces as you both leaned on the railings of the beach, listening to the ocean waves. suddenly, rin’s nose crinkled and his eye twitched. “it smells like shit here.”

you looked down on at the sand before laughing. “right on the money. there’s goose shit everywhere.” at rin’s stiffened body, you cackled, gripping onto the railings for dear life. “well, it’s spring after all. they’ve just come back from migration, and it’s mating season for them. you can’t really blame them.”

rin gripped the railings, his eyebrows knit together. “annoying lukewarm birds.” he muttered under his breath, making “birds” sound as if it were some derogatory, socially unacceptable slur. you snorted, slapping his arm playfully.

“i’ve always liked geese. did you know that geese mate for life?” you asked, elbows on the railings as you stared off into the glowing golden sunset. “i always found it cute, because they apparently form extremely deep bonds and stick to each other for life.”

rin glanced at you, and he could feel the familiar warmth creeping up at face when he saw your small smile. “you really believe that sort of stuff? they’re probably just lukewarm idiots who are too lazy to find someone else to mate with. just mating partners, nothing else.” rin replied, raising his eyebrows.

“rin! way to ruin the moment!” you exclaimed. “see, this is why animals don’t like you.” you muttered, yanking your hand away from his and stuffing it into your pocket. “i think it’s really cute that they’re loyal and stuff, since most animals are polygamous.”

“sure. absolutely romantic, how they don’t wanna cheat on their partner, as if that isn’t the bare minimum in a relationship.” rin snapped back sarcastically. “what, do you find it romantic that i don’t actively cheat on you with other people?”

“what? no!” you huffed. “you’re so annoying.” you turned your back on him, this time with your eyes lingering on the wide, azure ocean. after a few moments of nothing but the waves crashing against the shore, you spoke up once more. “i wonder if when geese die, they find each other in another life, and they also mate for life in the next life.”

rin’s lips pressed into a thin line, staying silent. “you know, i’ve known you for over a decade, and you’ve said some pretty stupid things before. but this might just be the most stupid thing i have ever heard from you.” rin said, pulling your hands out of your pocket and cupping them in his.

you pouted, furrowing your eyebrows. “wow, thanks. love you too.” but you then smirked, raising your eyebrows. “do you think we might’ve been geese in our previous—“

“don’t even go there.” rin interrupted. “let’s go home. your dad will kill me if you arrive home even a second after six-thirty.” he held your hand, and you both began walking in the directions of your houses.

although rin certainly didn’t like the idea of having been a geese in his previous life, he did like the thought of also having been with you in his previous life. that maybe you were both meant to find each other in this life too—

okay, now he was the one with stupid ideas. it was best to not let it distract him; he had practice tomorrow and needed to finish his homework quickly…like he understood his homework in the first place. maybe he should just crash at your place tonight.

whether it was as a geese, as a person in his previous life with who knows what, or as the star soccer player itoshi rin, he would always love being with you.

a/n: sunrise on the reaping absolutely killed me. this was inspired by the whole geese romantic subplot in the book (haymitch and lenore dove…oh how i love you both). @levihanmyotp you wanted the rin fluff fanfic, so you get it, hence why this is a part 2 to the hunger games fic😒

[aklaustaleteller]

An Unofficial Date

Klaus has had a certain starry-eyed girl on his mind, so when he walks into a museum, not at all with the hope of finding her inside, he can't help but strike up a conversation, which might've just led to Y/n agreeing to see him again.

Warnings - none that I can think of!

Word Count - 1.6k

Masterlist | Please reblog the work to share!

Been writing something that has had me researching left, right, and center! So I thought that while I worked on that one, I'd write a quick little something to freshen up a tad. Hope you enjoy a giddy Klaus hahah!

On a random, foggy Tuesday morning, Klaus found himself taking a quick stroll to the new Art Museum that had appeared out of nowhere in Mystic Falls. Well, for him anyways, for he hadn't come across the building in the months that he had been existing in the small town.

But one couldn't fault him for that, seeing that he had been so busy messing with a group of teenagers, or rather – with a couple of centuries old vampires, a newborn werewolf, and even a newfound witch, should he say.

But what took up most of his time was this starry-eyed girl with whom his eyes always seemed to meet whenever they were in the same room. That was all he got, though. The chance to look into her eyes for a fleeting second before she was shifting her gaze onto something else, leaving him breathless and wanting for more.

He never caught her name, or even a smile. Each time he saw her, he had been in search for a muse. And each time, she succeeded in sending a surge of creativity flowing through his entire being that consumed him so fully that he would race home and embrace that rush of adrenaline until he needed more.

Then, he would go out to steal another glance at her. The problem was, he hadn't been seeing her around for a week now. And he was anxious that she might've left the town, for she was the type of person whose absence went unnoticed for all but those who'd even once shared her company.

So, he felt a bit hopeful since he hadn't heard of Damon or Bonnie complaining about their loss of time with her. But he was also dreadful, wanting nothing more than to meet with her again knowing that this time he wouldn’t miss the chance to speak to her.

If Klaus had to be honest, he'd confess that the sole reason he was even heading to the museum was because he had a feeling that this could be one of the places he'd find her.

On his walk, he came across wildflowers and rose bushes, a couple of pinecones and a odd looking lemon tree, that stood lonely in midst of all the fog that had settled around it. And Klaus wondered if she paid attention to such details, if he should pick out a rose in case he did come across her? But he settled on not doing that, since that would surely give him away instantly.

He strolled through the corridors, sparing each art piece a single glance because he couldn't feel the emotions of looking at them for the first time and the curiousity of trying to unwind the stories in them due to his ages old knowledge that proved the collection in this museum to be quite poor.

There were a few people inside, a few dreamers scattered throughout the place, either sitting on the floor, sketching out what they could see in the painting or standing as if trying to count the stars, their eyes set on complicated pieces that pretentiously twisted the wires of their brains.

His eyes were wandering, and he was people watching now, rather than looking at the art that hung in frames. Which is how, there was a stutter in the search of his eyes when he caught sight of someone sitting against a wall opposite a painting, dressed in something quite vintage with a bowl of blackberries in their lap. A smile threatened to slip on his mouth.

He suppressed it though, looking at the ground to wait-out the disappearance of his blush before he squared his shoulders.

"Hello there," Klaus smiled, looking down at her and nodding when he had her attention. "Think I've seen you around?"

She broke a smile then, a small frown settling between her brows. "Hi, and …think I’ve witnessed a couple instances myself!" She laughed, her palm twitching awkwardly as she battled whether she should continue to eat, offer him some or wipe her stained hands on her thrifted dress.

She offered him to sit beside her instead, and then offered him her snack.

"Why thank you," Klaus murmured, his heart racing inside his chest the moment he caught a whiff of her perfume.

"I'm Niklaus, by the way."

She looked at him intriguingly, swallowing as she nodded to herself. "That's a nice name," she admitted. "Any meaning behind it?"

Klaus looked away, pretending to look at the painting in front of them in order to hide the sudden blood-rush to his face.

"Yes, yes it does," he said. "It comes from a Greek word, um, Nikolaos, I think? Means victory of the people."

"Well, I'm Y/n," she extended her clean hand out and Klaus shook it, electricity coursing through his being.

He sighed and locked his arms around his knees.

"So, Y/n," he tasted her name on his tongue and right away, wanted more of it. "What are you doing here?"

"Nothing special, been writing a thesis lately. Came here for a break and some change of scenery," she shrugged.

"A thesis?" Klaus asked, feeling intrigued and when she nodded nonchalantly, he felt baffled. "On what, if you don't mind me asking?"

She was smiling bashfully now, looking down at the remaining blackberries. "You'll laugh," she said.

"And why would that be?"

She clenched her eyes shut. "Because it's on hotels," she raced to say, peeking at him with one eye to see his reaction. He wasn't laughing so she looked at him properly, dumbfounded, noting that his expression was the same as before, if not more interested.

"Tell me more about it," Klaus asked, leaning his head on his knee to look at her.

She was blushing, and Klaus made a mental note to try and get the shade right on his canvas when he went back home.

"Well, it's going to be a tangent, so don't complain, okay?" She looked at him warily. He blinked softly, urging her on and she felt something shift between them.

"You asked for this," she sighed, and he chuckled, picking up another berry as she turned so that she was facing him, sitting cross-legged with a straight back.

She went on then, and Klaus was absorbing every single word that she was saying along with her wild hand-gestures that he felt like were going to hit him at some point. He noticed the sparkle in her eyes doubling-up as she talked about something she clearly felt passionate about.

Her cheeks had grown slightly red, and her mouth was stained by the blackberries. She mentioned how she had an even softer spot for haunted houses and hotels, making him grin with her.

It felt vulnerable for some reason, and Klaus' heart felt like it was growing inside of his chest.

She was spilling for him all of the research she had done so far, and it was admirable how well she was doing at explaining to him all of it. He wasn't sure if he was going to be able to look at the hotels the same way again, knowing now the way she looked at them.

And he knew that he was going to pester her again sometime and ask her about the gold chain that she wore, in the middle of which hung a glass globe that held something in the shape of a star preserved inside it. He had a feeling that everything that adorned her body held some meaning to it for her. 

"And I think that's all I've got on it, so far anyways," she finished with a deep breath, looking at him with a big grin on her face. She had lipstick on her bottom teeth, or maybe it was just the berrie’s stain; Klaus looked away.

"I think I have a newfound soft-spot for hotels now," Klaus sighed, straightening his back and leaning against the wall, craning his neck to look at her.

"I'm so very glad to hear that," she chuckled. "My apologies for talking your ear off, but hey, you asked for it!"

"I've got a feeling that I might ask for it again," he winked, and she looked away immediately, the corners of her mouth lifted up.

"Can't be now because I need to get going," she shrugged, checking her wristwatch whose leather band was beginning to wither off.

"Sure, think I wasted some of your time there," grinning sheepishly, Klaus rubbed the back of his neck.

But she laughed as she packed away her book and the empty container back into her bag. "No, Klaus, thank you for listening," she said, genuinely.

"Anytime," Klaus muttered shyly, watching as she got up and waved him goodbye.

Klaus waved back with a wistful smile, watching her walk away when he suddenly realised.

"When will I see you again?" He shouted, ignoring the incredulous looks he got from the strangers. He slipped his hands in his pockets and shrugged when she turned around to look at him with wide eyes.

"I love taking evening walks around the neighbourhood," she said at a normal volume, and Klaus heard her just right.

He was going to be delusional and tell him himself that today had been an unofficial date, maybe he'd ask her out for an official one when he saw her the next time.

He nodded at her, giving her a salute as he rolled on the toe and then the heels of his feet, grinning shamelessly as she laughed and walked away, sparing him one last glance before turning around the corner, out of his sight but not once out of his mind.

[spencerreidsrightsock]

Friends to Lovers

Summary: Y/n and Spencer are coworkers and best friends. She invites him over for their usual movie night. Feelings are discussed.

TW!: FLUFF, kissing, alcohol, feelings, Spence being goofy, not proofread lol, lmk anything else I missed.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x fem reader

A/N: Hey guys! This is my first fic post. I hope you guys like it. Please let me know any other recs for fics. And let me know how I did but be nice 🙈

ALSO- should I make this fic into a series????!??!??!!??!

Spencer and y/n had been best friends and inseparable since she had began working at the BAU. They both went out together- mainly so y/n could drink and he could have peace knowing she made it home safely.

Spencer gets to his apartment after a long day at work. He strips his clothes off and gets in the shower to wash the day away. He steps out of the shower to hear his phone buzzing. He picks it up and reads the words “hey why don’t you come over so we can have a movie night?”.

He smiles down at his phone. Spencer has always had a thing for her, ever since her first day at the BAU just 9 months ago. He had grown to like her more than a friend through. “I’ll be over in 15” he replies back.

A little bit later y/n heard a knock at her apartment door. She ran to open it. When Spencer walks in he is greeted by a smiling y/n who jumps into his arms. “You just seen me an hour ago at work y/n, it hasn’t been 4 months” he says snickering at her clinginess. “Yeah but you’re my best friend Spence, it hurts my heart going 5 minutes without you”, she says stumbling back out of the hug gripping her heart. “So dramatic”, he says with a chuckle and a dramatic eye roll.

He makes himself and home and plops down on the couch, he questions y/n who’s in the kitchen making popcorn, “so what are we watching?” “Ummm, what about It Chapter Two?” She questions him. “Okay” he yells to her.

After a few minutes y/n comes into the living room with a bowl of perfectly seasoned popcorn and two glasses of wine. “Ohh okay a wine night huh?” He says with a smirk. “Yeah it is” she says while taking a large gulp.

Y/n takes a seat right next to Spencer splaying a throw blanket over them and grabbing the popcorn bowl. Spencer starts playing the movie.

Halfway through you pause the movie, y/n looks at him, “will you stay the night?” She questions him with a quivering lip and puppy dog eyes. He puts his arm around her shoulders, “I suppose I can” he says with a dramatic sigh. She looks over at him laughing “and I’m the dramatic one?” She questions him shaking her head. “Yes you are y/n” he said laughing.

After the movie is finished she and Spencer sit on the couch looking at each other. Spencer looks at her and smiles. “This might be the wine talking, but I really like you a lot and I think you already know this and I think you already fee-“ he’s cut off by y/n lips pressed against his. He falls deeper into the kiss bringing one hand to rest on her cheek, the other on her neck.

She backs away. “You were rambling Spence. And of course I like you back. You’re my favorite person on this planet.” He smiles and looks away for a second collecting his thoughts. “I’m glad you feel the same way y/n but I really do like you so much. You dont know how many times you’ve saved me.” She smiles and wraps her arms around his slender torso. “I’ve waited so long for this to come out.”

“Well I guess now I have to plan a date” he says pressing his lips against hers. She smiles into the kiss. He lays back against the arm of the couch. She follows not parting their lips. Spencer wraps her arms around her and starts rubbing gently up and down her spine.

There was nothing sexual about the kisses although the sexual tension was building between the both of them. She backs up a bit. “I don’t want to kill the mood but I’m so tired and a little tipsy, let’s go to bed.” She stands collecting the bowl and cups, bringing them into the kitchen.

He meets her in the kitchen and grabs her hand leading her to the bedroom. Once they step in he plops on her bed and she gets her pajamas and disappears into the bathroom. A few minutes later she emerges and turns out the lamp plopping down beside him.

Spencer turns to face her and wraps his arm around her waist. “I’m so happy” he says smiling. Y/n leans in and gives him a quick peck. “I am too” she says. He turns on his back and y/n rests her head on his chest. “Goodnight Spencer” “Goodnight angel” he says rubbing her back.

[acowardinmordor]

Risk and Reward

Steddie-adjacent. Tw: homophobia

I always love fics where Steve makes himself Eddie’s alibi while Eddie is still unconscious/in a coma. Knows that it will work because he knows in this town there is no way anyone would believe that Steve Harrington would come out if it wasn’t real. No one would believe it, because everyone knows that his parents are always gone, because his dad is in Congress railing against the gays and their depravity and how they deserve to die and burn.

Steve saying it. Signing an affidavit about it. Giving quotes to the ravenous press. It has to be true. And everyone who doesn’t think it’s disgusting think it’s the most romantic thing in the world.

The government was stepping in, all eyes were pointed at Munson, and he was going to be thrown in a cell for life. Or, to save the cost of the trial, he would have vanished somewhere between the hospital and the prison.

Steve coming out stops that. Airtight alibi, reinforced by the knowledge that there will be consequences.

Eddie is safe, and the government has changed tactics, is blaming dead Jason Carver for it all. Eddie wakes up six weeks later, shocked to wake up at all, and trusts his uncle enough to play along. ‘Why didn’t you tell me you were dating the Harrington kid?’ Eddie knows how to tell a story that leaves space for a player to fill in their side. He tells stories about little moments and always describes things from his perspective. That way, if it contradicts the story that’s already out there, he can make a find quip about how he remembers it different.

When he finally gets a moment alone with his uncle, two days later, his guess gets confirmed. Wayne knows damn well that Eddie’s gayer than a maypole, and also knows that Eddie has called Steve his nemesis for years. Wayne knew from the second Steve said it that it was a lie, and knew it would work if it was believed.

The only thing confusing Eddie - well, the only thing in this tiny slice of his world - is why his fake boyfriend/no-longer-nemesis, isn’t in the hospital too, playing the part. If the guy was willing to say it at all, then he’d go all in. If there was one thing Eddie’d learned during those days, it was that Steve only ever did something at 100%

And yes, part of him feels terrible that Steve did this just to save him. He feels awful knowing that this is going to ruin a chance for a normal life. Wayne said the Indianapolis paper picked up a story about it. But at the same time, he’s so fucking grateful. Steve saved him. Again. And now, at least for a while, they’ll need to keep up the story. He’ll get to hang out with him, pretend they’re dating, stand close and cuddle closer. He also feels bad about how excited he is for that chance.

It’s the next morning when Eddie realizes his uncle dodged every question about why Steve wasn’t here. Wayne dodged almost every question after explaining what happened with Steve and the press and the Feds in the first weeks. Then, nothing.

The party visits him that afternoon, a veneer of joy stretched thin over something worse. Eddie’s first guess is that Red didn’t make it. But he hears her a moment later, complaining about ‘these stupid casts slowing me down’. The kids aren’t as good at dodging as Wayne is. Eddie gets the story quickly, such as it is.

The Harringtons came home from DC, gave a few speeches in praise of law enforcement against a serial killer. They visited the families of those that died.

They sent an assistant to find Steve in the hospital to deliver a message. No one else heard it, but the best guess is that it was a threat. Steve went with the assistant. They haven’t seen him since. When Dustin confronted the Harringtons at their last event in town, all they’d say was that ‘our son is getting the best help, and we love him dearly’

Eddie looks at Robin when he hears that for what it is. She drops the kids back home and begs a sympathetic nurse to let her talk to Eddie past visiting hours.

“It’s been a month since he vanished”

“Where?”

“We don’t know, we tried, even Hopper - he’s not dead - couldn’t find him. And this guy named Murray. We don’t know.”

“But…. ‘The best help’. You know that means…”

“I know”

“He’s, Christ, Buckley, he’s straight. Ladykiller. He’s straight and they sent him to some—“

“Yeah, but Eddie… I don’t know if I should… I guess, not that it matters now, and he never said anything, but he’s my best friend. He’s my soulmate. I know him and I think… if his dad wasn’t like he is… if he’d ever felt safe saying so… he knew they’d be furious when he came forward as your alibi, but he told me they’d just disown him, and it would be over. He was scared, but he was okay with what he thought was going to happen”

“I thought he hates me”

“He kinda did”

“Not anymore?”

“No.” There’s a pause where they both think about where Steve might be right now.

“Maybe he hates me again now.”

“I don’t think he would, but…”

And Eddie thinks how weird it is to see spastic Robin Buckley, who rambled in the Upside Down and always had more energy that she could contain, acting so subdued. No. So broken.

They both heard the Harringtons’ speeches and ads when he ran for office. They know what the man thinks about people like them. They both heard stories about what the places are like, where someone can go to ‘get help’

“Do you think I’ll ever get to thank him?”

“No.”

“Do you think we’ll ever see him again? You and the kids at least?”

She’s quiet for a long time, before she picks up her bag.

“If he ever gets to leave wherever they put him, and we ever see him, I don’t think he’ll be the person we knew anymore.”

[nickeverdeen]

Hi could you do a five hargreeves x female!reader where reader is normal and doesn't have powers but she's a genius and basically has a photographic memory, and she meets five and he's a bit mean and snarky but eventually he starts to fall for her

I also think it would be funny if she was kinda best friends with Klaus and he kinda teases her about five, but you don't have to include that

Guns And Brains | Five Hargreeves x genius fem!reader

Pairing: Five Hargreeves x fem!reader, Klaus Hargreeves x fem!reader (best friend)

Warning: None

PS: Sorry for the unoriginal title

———————————

You were used to being the smartest person in the room. It wasn’t arrogance; it was simply a fact. Your photographic memory allowed you to absorb and recall information with an almost eerie accuracy. In school, you never needed to study, and in life, you rarely encountered a problem you couldn’t solve. You had grown accustomed to the bemused looks and occasional irritation that came from people who found your talents either intimidating or annoying.

Yet here you are, standing in the middle of an ancient-looking mansion, face-to-face with a boy who exuded an air of superiority that rubbed you entirely the wrong way. Five Hargreeves—if you remembered correctly from the vague mentions in tabloids about the dysfunctional Umbrella Academy—was a strange, prodigious enigma. He looked like a teenager, but there was something in his eyes that suggested he was anything but.

From the moment Klaus had introduced you, you could sense the tension brewing. It wasn’t just the way Five had narrowed his eyes at you, or the clipped tone he used when addressing you. It was the challenge in his gaze, the unspoken assertion that he was smarter, quicker, better. The way he practically dared you to prove him wrong.

“Who’s this?” Five had asked, his tone flat and disinterested, as if your presence was more of an inconvenience than anything else.

“This is Y/N,” Klaus had said cheerfully, apparently oblivious to the storm clouds brewing between them. “She’s got a brain like a supercomputer—remember everything she’s ever read, seen, or heard. Thought she might be able to help us out.”

Five’s eyes had flickered with something—annoyance, skepticism, you couldn’t quite tell. “We don’t need help,” he’d said brusquely. “Especially not from someone who thinks they can waltz in and solve problems that are far beyond their understanding.”

And there it was—the gauntlet thrown down. You had felt your spine stiffen, your own competitive streak flaring up in response. You didn’t like the way he assumed you were just some book-smart outsider with no practical experience, especially when he hadn’t even given you a chance to prove otherwise.

“I’m not here to solve your problems,” you replied, your tone sharp. “But from what I’ve heard, you could use all the help you can get.”

Klaus had tried to mediate, sensing the tension. “Alright, kids, play nice. We’re all on the same team here.”

But you had seen the look in Five’s eyes—a mix of condescension and irritation. He clearly didn’t think much of you, and that was something you weren’t about to let slide. If there was one thing you despised, it was being underestimated.

The first few days in the mansion were… interesting, to say the least. Klaus had introduced you to the rest of the siblings, all of whom had their own unique quirks and issues. Luther was stoic and serious, Allison was kind but guarded, Diego was intense, and Viktor was quiet, almost withdrawn. They were an odd bunch, but in some ways, you felt more at ease with them than you did with Five.

Five, on the other hand, seemed determined to make you feel unwelcome. Whenever you offered a suggestion, he’d shoot it down without a second thought. When you tried to engage him in a discussion about the theories he was working on, he’d dismiss your opinions with a wave of his hand, as if your thoughts were nothing more than background noise.

It was infuriating.

At first, you tried to stay calm. Your reminded yourself that you were here to help, not to butt heads with a stubborn man who had likely seen more in his lifetime than you could ever imagine. But as the days passed, you found your patience wearing thin.

The breaking point came one evening when you were all gathered around the dining table, discussing the latest anomaly that Five was trying to unravel. He was pacing back and forth, spouting off calculations and theories at a rapid pace. The others were listening intently, but you could see the confusion in their eyes.

“Maybe if we adjusted the parameters slightly,” you suggested, your tone measured, “we could account for the temporal flux and—”

Five cut you off with a snort. “That’s a ridiculous idea. Adjusting the parameters would only destabilize the entire equation. You clearly don’t understand the complexities of time travel.”

Your jaw clenched. “And you clearly don’t understand the value of listening to other people’s input. Just because you’ve traveled through time doesn’t mean you know everything.”

Five stopped pacing and turned to face you, his expression cold. “I’ve spent decades—decades—working on these equations. You’ve been here for a week. Don’t presume to know more than I do.”

The room went silent. The others exchanged uneasy glances, but you didn’t back down. You were tired of Five’s arrogance, tired of him treating you like you were some naive child who had wandered into his domain.

“Maybe I don’t know more than you,” you said, your voice steady. “But I’m not an idiot, and I’m not going to stand here and let you treat me like one. If you’re so confident in your theories, then why not test them? Or are you afraid that someone else might actually have a better idea?”

Five’s eyes narrowed. “Fine,” he said, his tone icy. “Let’s test it. And when it fails, you can stop wasting our time with your half-baked theories.”

You didn’t respond. You simply nodded and turned your attention back to the problem at hand, determined to prove him wrong.

The next few days were tense, to say the least. You and Five worked together, but it was clear that neither of you were happy about it. Every interaction was laced with sarcasm and thinly veiled insults. Yet, beneath the hostility, there was a grudging respect forming, though neither of you would admit it.

Despite his arrogance, you couldn’t help but be impressed by Five’s intellect. He was brilliant, there was no denying that. His mind worked at a speed that rivaled your own, and his knowledge of temporal mechanics was unmatched. But he was also infuriatingly stubborn, refusing to consider any idea that wasn’t his own.

For his part, Five found himself both annoyed and intrigued by you. You were smart—smarter than he’d initially given you credit for. Your insights were often sharp and on point, even if he was loath to admit it. But what bothered him the most was how you challenged him, pushing back against his authority in a way no one else dared to. It was unsettling, and yet… he found himself drawn to it.

One afternoon, as you were pouring over another set of calculations, you suddenly spoke up.

“I’ve been thinking,” you said, not looking up from the paper in front of you.

“Dangerous,” Five muttered under his breath, but there was no real bite to his words.

You ignored him. “You’re right about the temporal flux destabilizing if we adjust the parameters too much. But what if we didn’t adjust them directly? What if we introduced a stabilizing agent that could counterbalance the fluctuations?”

Five paused, considering your words. It wasn’t a completely ridiculous idea. In fact, it was… interesting. But he wasn’t about to let you know that.

“It’s a long shot,” he said instead, his tone dismissive.

“Maybe,” you conceded. “But it’s worth a try. Unless you have a better idea?”

Five scowled, but there was no real heat behind it. “Fine. We’ll try it your way. But don’t get used to it.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” you replied, a small smirk playing on your lips.

As you worked together, there was a noticeable shift in the air between you two. The barbs were still there, but they were less sharp, the insults less cutting. It was as if you were beginning to acknowledge each other as equals—rivals, perhaps, but with a mutual respect that was slowly, begrudgingly, forming.

Weeks passed, and the initial tension between you and Five began to ease, replaced by a rhythm of sorts. You still bickered, still challenged each other at every turn, but there was a camaraderie in it now. A strange, twisted camaraderie, but camaraderie nonetheless.

The others noticed it too. Klaus, in particular, found endless amusement in your interactions, often teasing you about your “little crush” on Five.

“Admit it,” Klaus says with a grin. “You two are just one good argument away from kissing.”

You roll your eyes, brushing off his comments, but you couldn’t deny that there was a certain… tension between you and Five. Not that you would ever admit it out loud. The last thing you wanted was to give Five the satisfaction of knowing he got under your skin in more ways than one.

But the turning point came one evening, when you were working late in the mansion’s library. The room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft rustle of papers as you pored over your latest set of equations. You were focused, your mind fully absorbed in the problem at hand, when you felt a pair of eyes on you.

You looked up, only to find Five watching you, his expression unreadable. For a moment, neither of you spoke. There was something in his gaze, something that made your heart skip a beat.

“What?” You asked, your voice softer than you intended.

Five hesitated, as if weighing his words carefully. “You’re not as annoying as I thought you were.”

It wasn’t exactly a compliment, but coming from Five, it was close enough. You felt a small smile tug at your lips. “You’re not as unbearable as I thought you were either.”

Five’s lips quirked up in the faintest hint of a smile. “High praise.”

You fell into a comfortable silence after that, the tension between you two shifting into something else. Something neither of you were quite ready to name.

[wonderjanga]

https://www.tumblr.com/wonderjanga/768236926637588480/theres-only-a-few-people-he-hates-ebenezer-is?source=share

in regards to your post about billy hating ebenezer and the magic spell putting the name of the person you hate most over your head. combine that with the post where ebenezer believes the captain is CC.

he can see it on the news where marvel says, "the name of the person you hate most" and this guy who is positive thats the father of the child he abused and abandoned sees HIS NAME above the head. other people would too, so he becomes ostricized maybe?

i just want him constantly on edge waiting for Charles to come knocking and people coming up with their own headcanons for it

He was coming for him. Ebenezer knew he was. The old man peered out of the window blinds before quickly shutting them. He knew Clarence would be furious if he ever found out about the way he treated his son, but he couldn’t help it. Billy was the perfect culmination of his little brother. They had the same smiles, same oblivious personalities. The only difference was that Billy was a child. A child that wouldn’t know how to defend itself against an adult he was suppose to trust bullying him.

If Ebenezer was being honest, he was almost glad his little brother was dead. He was big on family and no doubt as soon as he found out about the way he treated his son, C.C. likely would’ve been in jail by the next day. So yes, was Ebenezer going to spend to rest of his days as a hermit? Yes. It’s not like he doesn’t already like one anyways.

Meanwhile, with the average Fawcitizen…

Lady 1: “I just can’t believe Cap hates old man Ebenezer.”

Lady 2: “I can’t believe he hates anyone period!”

Lady 1: “I know right, I mean, I understand I guess. The old man would go around scaring people off with how he would do everything but swear at them, but still. It’s a little surprising.”

People eventually started digging into why Marvel hated Ebenezer Batson. They came to the conclusion that they were brothers. C.C. or Clarence Charles Batson was the little brother, and Ebenezer was the older. Now, looking at the younger photos of the two, they indeed look similar. People might’ve thought he was C.C. until it was discovered that the man, his wife, and his daughter were deceased, leaving his son William Batson to go and stay with Ebenezer.

Guy 1: “He had a nephew?”

Guy 2: “I honestly had no idea.” *shrugs* “I don’t remember ever seeing the boy around the neighborhood.”

Ebenezer didn’t leave his house for nearly two months straight. Finally, when he thought all the press about him calmed down. He decided to finally go out. He was walking down the sidewalk, no one having thankfully recognized him. The only thing they had seen were photos of him and Clarence when they were younger. They weren’t exactly looking for an older man. Unfortunately for Ebenezer, fortunately for everyone else though, the man got held up at gun point. Thankfully, Billy saved him.

Also, by the way, Billy one hundred percent thinks Ebenezer knows he’s Billy.

Marvel: *smiling as if nothings wrong but is talking in the most lifeless voice anyone’s ever heard from him* “You know… You know for a second, I considered just letting you die just now.” *hands Ebenezer his wallet back, of course not before stealing every single dollar when the old man wasn’t looking*

Ebenezer: *is about to comment on that statement before he feels the weight of his wallet* “Hey… this feels lighter-”

Marvel: *starts to float off and gives him a little wave*

Ebenezer: “Clarence, you brat! Come back here!” *waves his cane at him*

Marvel: *already long gone now*

See, during his time of being a recluse, the people actually thought Cap was Ebenezer but with some major self hatred, but this single moment, that single line of “I considered just letting you die” confirmed that they were absolutely not the same person and that Cap genuinely hated the man. Plus, you know, they were spotted at the same time standing in front of each other. There’s also the fact that Ebenezer called the Big Red Cheese “Clarence” which was the younger Batson brother’s name. So, now the people think he was revived and hates his brother now. For good reason too, because people eventually did more digging and found out about Ebenezer getting Billy to sign away his inheritance to him, stealing it all. You couldn’t ask any of the currently living Batsons, they just somehow found out.

Also, Billy used that money to treat himself, Mary, and Freddy to a nice meal because he felt like they all deserved it.

Billy, Mary, and Freddy: *all in a booth, drinking milkshakes*

Newscaster: *on a radio* “Just now, we’ve received video of Ebenezer Batson and Captain Marvel interacting!”

Marvel: *on the radio, says the line from earlier*

Freddy: *not really that surprised* “Damn.”

Elsewhere…

Literally any of the JL: “Damn.” *extremely concerned*

[matramancer]

🌸KIKORU THE WINGMAN | Narumi Gen x Mitsuri! reader

Synopsis: As much as she admires her two mentors, seeing the two of you pine over each other was INFURIATING. Perhaps it was time to take matters into her own hands. Unfortunately.

part 1 | Mitsuri! reader Masterlist

Tags: fem! reader, HCs w scenarios, Narumi x reader, Kikoru and Mitsuri!reader found family ft. Narumi, JEALOUS NARUMI, Narumi Gen is an idiot, fluff, mutual pining, Kikoru the wingman

By the time Kikoru’s batch rolls in, she’s already gotten word about several of the unique heavy hitters in the force. She wasn’t her father’s daughter for nothing–an extensive knowledge of the Defense Force is a part of keeping yourself up in the game.

She knew about the infamous First Division—home of Japan’s Strongest Anti-Kaiju Combatant, and the more recent officer who made a name for herself as the Pillar of Love.

However, it still didn’t prepare her for the rather… lousy introduction her supposed new captain and mentor gave her. And the chronic gaming addiction. And the Yamazon addiction. And everything else in between.

When she thought things couldn’t get any rowdier, she was very bombastically introduced to you. 

“Captain Narumi! You wanted to see me?” The blonde turns at the new voice entering her ears, your figure standing by the doorway. At a glance, she was taken aback at the mountain of sakura mochi on a tray in your hands, your expression an immediate stark contrast to all the officers she’s ever seen in the force.

As she locked eyes with you, your smile only widened, and Kikoru wondered if it was possible for a human to emit their own light source. 

Nothing however prepared her for your figure to zero in on her in a flash,  your movements so abrupt she had to take a few steps back to process them. “HELLOOO! YOU’RE SO CUTE! Do you want some sakura mochi? Though I only have a little.” A little?! You were holding a MOUNTAIN!

“Platoon leader (L/N)! Great timing!” Hasegawa keeps his grip strong on Narumi, even as he wriggles about. The man then proceeded to point at his BS5, which the other officers in the room were trying to fit into a trash bag. “HELP ME FARM A DUNGEON! IF WE START NOW WE CAN 100% IT TONIGHT!”

The room is silent as Kikoru watches on, mortified. Hasegawa is seconds away from bloody murder. You were still holding onto your plate of sakura mochi.

“…I’ll just leave these here.” you set down the plate and slowly try to make your escape— “COME BACK HERE PLATOON LEADER!”

If it weren't for the kaiju attack that happened soon after, Narumi’s image would’ve been permanently tarnished in Kikoru’s eyes.

And not only that, she actually also caught a glimpse of you in battle—that was when you really made an impression on her. She solidified her choice by then. She was going to get stronger, with your help.

Although Kikoru was mainly Narumi’s disciple, it soon became clear that the responsibility had also fallen to you. If Narumi wasn’t training her, you were.

It was really based on two things. One, you already spent lots of time training with Narumi, and second, Kikoru had approached you herself.

“You want to train together?” You blinked owlishly as Kikoru stood before you.

“Yes. I saw how you fought–” Kikoru starts. Truth to be told, she couldn’t keep her eyes off of you. She was assigned to your platoon, which gave her front row seats to you on the battlefield. “--Those maneuvers you did, your consistent energy distribution…”

She recounts the battle she witnessed, finding herself staring in awe as you finished off a group of yoju with your machine gun, before strapping said weapon to your back and immediately winding through the street with fast maneuvers. Even with the suit, your speed paired with such strength belonged to no one in the low combat power bracket. Then, the next thing she heard was your unwavering voice, commencing that the neutralization in your zone was complete. 

She was absolutely flabbergasted. She hadn’t even registered the weird shape of your sword before you sprung forward, flooring her even more with your superhuman strength. She was a bearer of a heavy weapon herself, but seeing you jump so cleanly with all the weight of your weaponry was on another level. Not to mention how precise each and every move you did was. Anyone with a lower level of skill would’ve cut themselves with that sword!

On the other side of the comms, she hears Narumi send her a taunting chuckle. “You seeing this, newbie? You’re going to have to go on par with that.”

Back to the training grounds, she holds a determined expression on her face, surprising you with a bow, even. “...It would be an honor for you to train me, Platoon Leader.”

“Eh–EH?!?!?!?!?” Kikoru looks up from her bow to see your nervous stupor, a complete 180 from what she saw a mere two hours ago. “ME?!?!?!?!!?” Yes, you. 

(Kikoru does not know if she made the right choice).

Usually, you’d be correcting Kikoru’s form and giving her pointers, then holding a sparring session to demonstrate how your techniques flowed. In particular instances where you both used your weapons, you’d move to the specialized training areas.

Narumi in all of his glory would be stuck to his console before you unceremoniously plucked him away from his lawn chair and forced him to participate.

During her training, there was one particular day that stuck out for her. The day she watched you and Narumi spar for the first time.

For once, Narumi had a look that was indescribably amused hidden under his normal demeanor. Excited even. He was the one that initiated it, after all.

“Kikoru, watch.” He says, a lazy smile curling on his lips as he gets into position. A hand to hand spar .No weapons, no gear.

“--I wanted to say that!” You sulked a bit in your mind, biting your lip.

Whenever the two of you sparred, it was always a spectacle. That much was evident on Kikoru’s expression as the two of you went at it, the lighthearted banter from prior completely abandoned as Narumi went on the full offensive.

He was ruthless, not sparing a single punch even as you took a defensive note in your steps. Even if you were dodging his blows, you did so very narrowly.

And then, you flew. An elegant figure belonging to the one deserving of the title “Love Pillar”. Your body twists and contorts with not only polished skill but extreme calculation. If you were even a centimeter off base, Narumi would finish you. It was like you knew where to dodge, and Narumi knew where to hit.

Every single one of your moves had so much thought put into them, which made sense given your weapon of choice. Similarly, Narumi was a master at switching stances, knowing when exactly to go on the defensive before he’s sending another strike to your hazy figure.

It was then that Kikoru realized that she wasn’t just watching any fight–but a culmination of efforts and hardwork that brought the two of you together in this ring. An undoubted match up of strength that solidified your places in the force. That solidified your positions next to each other in battle.

Yeah, she’s never gonna doubt you guys again (or at least, your strengths) as she watches the fight come to a close, courtesy of an announcement by the megaspeakers.

Narumi curses as he hears news of the 3rd Division’s arrival, already muttering not so clean words at the mere thought of their vice captain (you on the other hand were the total opposite, excited at the prospect of seeing some long distance friends).

“We’re going to crush them!” Narumi grunted, cracking his knuckles with the biggest stink eye while you happily tugged Kikoru along, not interested in hampering the mood. “I wonder if we can catch the captain and vice captain! You must miss them, right Kikoru?”

“Haah?! Don’t you DARE even mention Hoshina’s name!” Your captain’s rage immediately intensifies, like a man out for murder. Something Kikoru wanted no part of. 

Unfortunately for poor Kikoru, out of pure bad luck and personal circumstance, she had unintentionally gotten herself caught in the front view seats of her captain slash mentor’s unexpected dilemma.

You ignored Narumi’s blatant hostility, smiling ear to ear. You couldn’t wait to catch up with your friends. “Just in time for lunch too! I wonder what’s on the menu…”

Narumi zeroes in on this, already knowing the answer. In fact, he’d even request the chefs to make today’s portions extra bountiful, under the guise of the 3rd Division’s visit.

He cleared his throat, “casually” mentioning your favorite food, and your reaction after is expectedly, a surge of excitement.

Having spent lots of time with you already, Kikoru thought nothing of it–your attitude with a superior present was certainly a bit unrestrained, sure, but after seeing your bond with Narumi, she chalked it up to you guys just having mutual respect and friendship. 

Yeah, friendship. Her eyes drift a bit to Narumi, seeing his side profile. Surely, with Narumi being super nonchalant about all this, he was…

wait. 

She sees it. Bared witness to it. Lays eyes on it.

A TINT of red on his cheeks. And the aversion of his eyes soon after.

Oh no. Oh no no no. OH NO.

She refuses to get involved, not in the lives of her superiors and DEFINITELY not in the sad lack of love life that belonged to loser master Narumi.

Okay, it was a bit impossible not to. Not when it was one of those things that you’d definitely always notice after realizing it once. And she was spending hours every day with these people.

In Narumi’s defense, he didn’t know how or when it happened. He didn’t even really take note of you until around the time where you earned his acknowledgement, as harshly as that sounded. 

His principles, his life revolved around results. Around skills. Around the Defense Force. As far as he was concerned (and hilariously mortified at), you suddenly carving your presence in his psyche and imprinting your being into his heart was not part of any life plans he had in particular. 

Sure you got more and more involved with him, sure you just became a regular part of his day, sure you were the number one person he’s most comfortable fighting side by side with, but as anticlimactic as it was, there was nothing spectacular involved. He just noticed it one day.

He especially realizes that something about you in him has changed when he barges in on two officers (nobodies, he didn’t even bother to remember their faces) throwing jabs at how air-headed you seemed. Without even thinking, his brows had furrowed and a scowl was already forming from his face, and when he came to, the officers had already scurried.

At first, he thought it was just acknowledgement and respect for your strength. But thinking about anyone–or anything badmouthing you, calling you names or underestimating you for just being yourself absolutely had him seething.

He got more particular about you all of a sudden as the feelings hit him. He thinks about it all–Your already bright smile that widened just a bit more when you saw him. How you lit up, whether it was from a good day of training with him, or when he would surprise you with a meal. How he has your face memorized by then. He especially loved when you were enjoying a good lunch by his side, when you won a game together, and–

Huh, that’s particular… Did he always notice all of that stuff from you?

Kikoru knew it was over for him when you gathered in the mess hall, and although Narumi had his console in hand, she saw him sneak more than a few glances to your ever joyous figure, your 5th bowl in hand as you excitedly chatted with Captain Ashiro.

And his eyes were full of love.

Hell, he was still quipping with Hoshina, but that’s exactly the thing. The four of you were sitting on the same table in close proximity. Rivalries aside, you were quite good friends with Mina and Hoshina and were always one for conversation, but he and the Vice Captain were usually at each other’s throats. Why was Narumi willingly sitting through this? CALMLY, no less.

These people (you two) were driving her NUTS. Crazy even. It was tolerable at first, hell, things were smooth sailing when she was none the wiser. But now? His lingering gazes, how he lights up when he gets texts from you, how he’s been pushing for your presence more and more often…

 Don’t get her started on the special treatment. Did he think he was being smooth?! Kikoru was LOSING it! 

Kafka, oh poor Kafka, got dragged into this mess too, via Kikoru finally spilling the beans in a frustrated burst of emotions.

“I can’t take it. It’s disgusting,” she feels like tearing her twintails out, airing out her grievances to Kafka. “The Captain is bad enough as he is.”

The older man just scratches his head with an awkward laugh. The situation reminds him a bit of his high school days. “Well, sometimes the best way to make it stop is to let it happen. Sorry, Kikoru. Young love calls.”

Kikoru groans. “Nevermind that. I don’t know what’s worse. How hard he’s trying–”

Their gazes land on the training grounds where you were chatting with Mina again, before Narumi’s figure emerges from your side as he offers your favorite grilled onigiri nonchalantly. As you thank him with a smile, you‘re completely clueless over how even Mina notices the way his hand brushed against yours for a tad bit too long. How he’s so clearly not doing this for just anyone.

“--Or how oblivious she is.”

So begins the adventures of Kikoru the unwilling wingman.

As much as she’s unwillingly involved in… whatever this was, she joined the Defense Force for a clear reason. She’s not going to toil on this and let it hinder the progress of her training, for her life’s mission.

But there are times where she throws in a gentle push. Not directly getting involved in things by the slightest, but you were quite the talker. What better way than to plant the idea in your head and handle your obliviousness this way?

She ended up learning a few things–one, you were obviously super comfortable with Narumi. Two–you amassed a great deal of respect for him, and was gracious over the opportunity you had to get close with him. REALLY close. Receiving surprise gifts and playing games together in secret during the night type of close. Three–despite all that, you had no idea about the obvious truth.

“You better pay me back for this, idiot master.” Kikoru thinks to herself sometimes.

Don’t mention how you were so good at love advice (love pillar and all, it’s in the name), having been a good ear and cupid for the 1st Division when clearly the one who needed that the most was you. It only frustrates Kikoru more.

So how does Kikoru function as a wingman despite her total unwillingness? Well, she does it through the most unconventional methods… Which is to steal you away from her idiot master instead!It’s a win-win, because she gets to one up her captain and not suffer any consequences–lest he upsets YOU.

On the occasions where Narumi wants to train one on one with you? Nope–Kikoru booked a slot first. You’ve got Friday off? Whoops, girl’s day out with Kikoru and she made you promise. 

It was peak “I’m just a girl”. A concept you loved and could heavily indulge in with Kikoru. You’re not sidelining the things you love doing with Narumi, you’re moreover doing things that were more up to you and Kikoru’s forte.

How could you not? Kikoru was an absolute sweetheart, and you’d taken to her like a mother duck. Not only did she see you as a mentor now, but also as a sister figure.

 When she started to call you nee-san, you were absolutely ecstatic.

Narumi was understanding. At first. But when even your gaming sessions, which was a sacred bonding time for the both of you, had been slowly taken over by Kikoru’s rendezvouses, that was when the seeds of jealousy started to plow through his skull.

“Ah, Kikoru-chan wants to go shopping.” “Can’t, sorry Narugen! I got tickets with Kikoru and Rin…” “No way! That’s OUR Gossip Girl rewatch marathon and you’re not allowed in.”

And oh does it work. It DEFINITELY started a reaction in him. Narumi has upgraded her status from idiot disciple to menace. 

All of a sudden, a new competition rolled in town, and the First Division had a new point of interest to watch.

The rivalry of Isao’s brightest disciple vs his rising star daughter for the attention of the Love Pillar. (Coming to a division near you!)

Both are now vying for your compliments, and sometimes the comms get so loud with their bickering that the operations room has to work overtime over the noise pollution.

Narumi is seething because it seems like Kikoru always wins, your attention so doting on her, your favor clearly present as you never fail to praise her. Hell, the little brat was now on HUGGING terms with you! You even braid her hair the way you did yours some nights. It was driving him crazy.

Kafka’s also always at the scene in the worst timing possible. At more than one instance, he’d walk into the training grounds just as Kikoru successfully stole you away again, and he was forced to endure his daily training under an unmerciless Narumi Gen in a bitter mood.

What made him grumble at the same time was as much as he hated how Kikoru was monopolizing you, you looked absolutely joyous enjoying things with her–and he just couldn’t take that happiness away from you. No, he absolutely won’t allow it.

He wouldn’t ever reveal it so lightly at this point in time, but you meant so much to him.

And as he grows more and more obvious with the shift in his demeanor, how much he’s wagging his tail, even Hoshina had noticed and sent his tips to the betting pool.

If it weren’t for Kikoru’s sleight of hand however, the slow burn you had with Gen would’ve probably lasted longer than the existence of kaiju itself.

When he’s FINALLY able to steal you away from Kikoru, he’s taken aback by how vigorously he was vying for your time in the first place. How he felt so victorious over catching that empty spot in your schedule before his menace of a mentee dragged you away from him.

And when he finally catches himself unable to hold back a grin as he sees you all dressed up pretty on the train with him, it hits him deeply with the realization that you had made yourself home in his consciousness. That he values the many moments he gets to spend with you so much. 

Maybe that was okay. Maybe he wants to treasure the little moments he has with you. Maybe… maybe this normalcy the two of you fostered together was alright.

You made him feel normal. Like the two of you were just young adults given a glimpse of a life outside of the Defense Force, where he could imagine days like this with you to come. Like he was just a boy, no captain or anything. And you saw him as just that.

That was what went through his mind on a nice afternoon out in the city, Narumi insisting he be the first to bring you to this new restaurant that served your favorite kind of dishes.

Equipped with disguise gear of great caliber (a mask, sunglasses, and two hats you had lying around), the two of you comb through the crane games and rhythm machines in the arcade, working up an appetite an hour before your reservation. 

His eyes couldn’t stop glancing at your excited figure at the small plushies in the crane games. He chose your favorite songs on maimai. He made sure to reserve seats in the restaurant beforehand and nearly even used his name card to guarantee them.

And later on, when Kikoru’s eyes scanned the photostrip you were showing her taken at a purikura booth you and Narumi tried, she nearly fell down over how loving his gaze was on the last pic.

When it was finally time to enjoy your meal, you were beaming in absolute delight as you finished bowl after bowl, plate after plate, offering Narumi a share of everything. 

He gladly accepted, absolutely reveling in how you spoiled him. Especially with how there was no Hasegawa around to hold you back. He was practically on your lap, figuratively.

Yapper gf x listener bf to the max as he sat beside you with an expression so soft in comparison to the rest of his unruly personality, being absolutely glued to everything about you.

Well, that was when he was facing you. Narumi had secretly turned away and glared at any other patrons who dared to even attempt to send a nasty look your way from “how much you were eating” . 

“You got a problem with that? Do you want me to shove the rest of the food down your throat instead, huh?” Was what Narumi’s intense glare communicated, immediately causing the aforementioned judgemental patrons to look away in embarrassment.

Then, he’d immediately whip his head back when you addressed him, completely at your mercy. 

As you finished the last of your food, you were completely obvious to Narumi’s sudden change of demeanor, a wave of nervousness washing over him as he fidgets with the inside of his pocket.

He hopes you’ll like this gift of his.

[restaurant scenario - coming soon]

“I had lots of fun today!” You gushed with your usual cheerful demeanor, sinking into the bathwater next to Rin and Kikoru. You were recounting the eventful afternoon you had to them. “I have so many new plushies now, and there’s so many new stores in that shopping district that just reopened. Let’s go there together next time!”

Kikoru huffed a bit, hearing about your day. She was both lightly covetous over how Narumi somehow managed to steal a slot of your time before her, having grown very attached to you and your attention, yet at the same time, she was absolutely floored at just how smitten her idiot mentor was for you from all the pictures, videos, and stories you showed her when practice finished. If anyone who didn’t know any better saw these, they’d IMMEDIATELY assume it was a date. Hell, that was what Rin thought when she joined the conversation!

You in your Sunday best? Taking you to a specialty restaurant that had your favorite food? Sharing bites? Winning you all those plushies? And…

She recalls just how eye catching the subtle change of your appearance was to her when you returned to the base with him. When you didn’t take off the new item you acquired until you hit the showers.

“Gen got me this today,” as you finally removed the accessory from your hair, you eagerly showed Kikoru and Rin the gift Narumi got you, barely noticing the other two girls’ wide-eyed, open mouthed stare at three things. One, how you addressed your superior, THE Narumi Gen by his first name so lightly. Second, THE Narumi Gen being thoughtful and paying attention to your tastes. He knew you loved cute things. Third, how your cheeks were glowing just a bit more radiant, how your tone had a slight change to it. How…

The love in your eyes was so evident.

“You’re so dense,” Rin’s comment brings Kikoru back to the present, the former crossing her arms and furrowing her brows. “Are we not seeing the same things here?” She continues, recalling all the times he’d been so partial to you. He’s still mean to you, yes, but there’s such an obvious touch of softness and mutual standing there that everything just speaks for itself.

You blink. “What things?”

Rin sighs, more than familiar with your disposition. “You’re going to kill me.”

The blonde watches as you haphazardly rise up from the water in a frenzy, Rin screaming as you dart towards her direction, arms reaching out to catch her. Water spills in every direction as you wrestle each other in the tub, you bleating pathetically for answers while Rin attempts to fight you off.

“SPILLLLLLL!” The other woman shrieks as you push into her body, a comedic expression on your face as you tackle her sides.

Immediately trying to regain her balance, Rin lets out a chorus of strangled noises as your body pressed against hers, desperately trying to squeeze out an answer. She attempts to steady both of your bodies as she feels you move around way too frantically. “HOLY SHIT– Your breasts are going to spill out BE CAREFUL–OI!”

“TELL ME RIN!!” You cry out again.

“IT’S LITERALLY SPELLED OUT IN FRONT OF YOU, YOU DUMMY!”

“WHAT IF I CAN’T READ?!”

Amidst all the banter, Kikoru finds herself lost to her thoughts, drifting back to her thoughts of you and Narumi. She couldn’t wrap her head around it at first, but something felt so familiar…

Then, it hits her, recalling the stories between her own parents during their youth in the Defense Force. How Hikari Shinomiya was quite the spunky, passionate youth akin to her namesake, and how Isao Shinomiya was the much mellower, passive homebody, yet had loved her with so much passion all the same. 

History seemed to repeat itself.

At the sound of the water splashing, you watch in surprise as the top of Kikoru’s head dives down into the tub, seeing air bubbles form on the top. You quickly call out to her in concern. “Kikoru-chan?!”

“I didn’t expect it to work too well…”

--

i cant wait to write out what went down in that restaurant... here's the expression that Gen remembers the most, and the face he fell in love with. waaaaa